A new law to protect the interests of vulnerable people in care is expected to be in place early next year. The Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill will replace the current system known as ‘Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards’ (DoLs). DoLs are assessments currently carried out on people who do not have the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care, for example because they are living with dementia. It …Read More
First-time home buyers save £284m because of stamp duty cut
More than 120,000 first-time home buyers have saved a total of £284m because of the cuts to stamp duty introduced last November, according to government figures. The first £300,000 of the price of a property is now exempt from tax for people entering the housing market for the first time. It means that the new stamp duty cost for first-time buyers is: • properties up £300k, no stamp duty • properties between …Read More
Businessman leaves millions to Oxfam under ‘common tragedy’
A wealthy businessman has left millions to the charity Oxfam after inserting a common tragedy clause into his will. Richard Cousins died along with his two sons, his fiancé and her daughter when their plane crashed in Australia on New Year’s Eve. Mr Cousins, who was the chief executive of the Compass Group, had made provision in his will for what should happened if all his immediate family died in …Read More
Hartley Wintney Pram Race 2018
The quintessentially bucolic Cricket Green is once again the centre stage for the annual Hartley Wintney Pram Race 2018. Bates Solicitors are delighted to once again sponsor this popular village event.
39% rise in employment tribunal claims since fees ruled unlawful
There has been a 39% rise in claims before the Employment Tribunal since the Supreme Court ruled last year that the fees charged to bring claims were unlawful. The fees were introduced in 2013, with employees having to pay up to £1,200 to bring a claim. Following a challenge by the union Unison, the Supreme Court ruled that the fees were discriminatory, unlawful and unconstitutional. Figures released by the Advisory, …Read More
Landlords oppose 3-year minimum tenancy proposals
The National Landlord’s Association (NLA) has criticised government proposals to introduce 3-year minimum tenancies. Ministers say 3-year tenancy terms, with a 6-month break clause
New Town Development Corporations to deliver more homes
The government is planning to set up several New Town Development Corporations to build thousands of homes across the country over the next five years. The corporations will be accountable to local councils and be responsible for new towns and garden communities in their area. They will oversee the planning and project development, bringing on board private investment and partnering with developers. They will also be expected to involve communities …Read More
Brothers in dispute over house left in their mother’s will
The High Court has settled a dispute between two brothers after one accused the other of using undue influence to persuade their mother to leave him her house in her will. The case involved an elderly woman who moved in with her son after her husband died. However, she later wanted to move back to her own home in Cornwall. The house needed significant repairs, so she decided to transfer …Read More
Church Fete raises c£10,000
Bates Solicitors again supported All Saints Odiham Fete and Dog Show Saturday 14 July 2018, held in the grounds of Hatchwood House Odiham.