civil

What will change in planning law in 2024?

The last significant update to the planning system occurred in 1947.  However, the government has recognised planning red tape needs to be cut if housing stock is going to be created at the required rate.  This has triggered a range of planning law reforms – some of which are already in force, others are expected […]

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Can you challenge a coroner’s decision?

Although a coroner’s decision is usually final and difficult to question, there are some situations in which you can challenge a coroner’s decision. There is no formal right of appeal as regards the verdict of an inquest.  Contrary to popular belief, as a coroner operates independently in a similar way to a judge, the Chief […]

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What is the 7 year boundary rule?

Many still believe the 7 year boundary rule in the UK means you can claim ownership over land you have been using for 7 years.  However, this is a legal misnomer; the  real answer to the question “what is the 7 year boundary rule?” is that just like a common law spouse, it is a […]

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What challenges will landlords face in 2024?

Change (if not volatility) has become the norm for landlords over the last few years.  There could be even choppier waters ahead but what potential challenges will landlords face in 2024? We are about to see widespread tenancy reforms.  Borrowing rates are likely to increase even further which means rents will need to increase for […]

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How do I resolve a boundary dispute with a neighbour?

Boundary disputes between neighbours are still common place.  They tend to arise when a new owner moves into a property with their own take on exactly where the boundaries are between their property and their neighbour’s.  Although they may seem trivial when you are not involved in the dispute yourself, they can lead to a […]

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How can businesses protect themselves against business crime?

Business crime continues to have an enormous impact on UK businesses.  In their 2022 Crime Survey for England and Wales, the government recorded an estimated 3.5 million incidents of fraud and 2.2 million incidents of theft against businesses in the UK in 2020 alone so how can businesses protect themselves against business crime? It’s also […]

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Can landlords evict tenants who break their tenancy agreement?

The short answer is yes, landlords can evict tenants who break their tenancy agreement.  However, it is vital they follow the correct legal procedures.  There are, understandably, a number of measures in place to protect tenants against landlords or their agents harassing them or evicting them illegally. What are the grounds a landlord can use […]

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Can a landlord evict a vulnerable person?

Reports of landlords serving eviction notices against vulnerable tenants have recently been rising.  But what is the actual position?  Can a landlord evict a vulnerable person? What is an eviction notice?  An eviction notice is official notice that your landlord (this could be a private landlord or your council or housing association) wants to evict […]

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