Source: https://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/articles/archive/2010/
Timestamp: 2018-05-24 15:44:14
Document Index: 374083810

Matched Legal Cases: ['EWCA ', 'UKSC ', 'EWCA ', 'UKSC ', 'in fine', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ', 'EWCA ']

Forbes Solicitors archived legal articles from 2010
Pre-Action Disclosure Applications - Not Before Time
Forbes Solicitors has successfully contested a number of premature pre-action disclosure applications brought by the same firm of solicitors in the Liverpool County Court. The pre-action protocol clearly sets out that the Defendant has 21 days to acknowledge a letter of claim and then a further 3…
Court Appeal clarifies duty under s.41 of the Highway Act 1980
Judith Valentine v Transport for London and Hounslow London Borough Council [2010] EWCA Civ 1358 The Court of Appeal has clarified the extent of the duty under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 in relation to the presence of loose surface lying material on the highway. This case followed the tragic…
3. What do I need to do/What do you do for me? If you are not sure, call us, that's what we are here for! · Mortgage application · Home buyers report/survey · Arrange additional reports · Tell us if third parties lending money or occupying the property · Tell us…
I see: oh! - snap away this Christmas - ho ho ho!
The previously quiet world of data protection has been making the news. The Information Commissioner's Office, the government body responsible for data privacy rights, has this week clarified that the law does not prevent family and friends from taking pictures of their loved ones inside school grounds…
Helping My Daughter Get On The Property Ladder
I'm thinking of giving money to my daughter to help her get on the property ladder, what do I need to consider? First of all, you are not alone, statistics indicate that up to 80% of first time buyers do so with assistance from their parents, but you do need to consider very carefully who will own the…
Housing hat trick for Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors has reinforced its position as a leading provider of social housing work following three further tender wins. Forbes has been appointed to provide legal advice to HALA (Housing Associations' Legal Alliance) for housing and asset management across the North of England, City West…
Jargon busting - what happens next? Who does what? Instructions · Call anytime - we are here for you · ID · Money laundering · Third party funding · Timescales · Contact details - what works best for you Sale What we will be doing/what do you need to…
On 3 November 2010 the Supreme Court gave its judgment on the case of Manchester City Council v Pinnock [2010] UKSC 45. The decision has been eagerly awaited by housing practitioners hoping for authoritative guidance to be provided on the issue of human rights considerations in possession proceedings.…
Better late than never says Court of Appeal in ruling on tenancy deposits
In November 2010 the Court of Appeal gave its judgment in the combined cases of Tiensia v Vision Enterprises Ltd (T/A Universal Estates): Honeysuckle Properties v Fletcher & Others [2010] EWCA Civ 1224. These two appeals were heard together as they both related to the same issue, namely the…
Fire Safety Bill to increase heat on landlords to protect tenants
A Bill currently making its way through Parliament could potentially have massive implications for both the private rented market and the social housing sector. The Fire Safety (Protection of Tenants) Bill, which was due to have its second reading in the House of Commons on 19 November 2010 but has been…
Forbes Solicitors recently celebrated the success of 13 staff who passed either the Apprenticeship Programme or the Forbes Diploma for Legal Secretaries, Accredited by ILEX Paralegal Programmes. The Apprenticeship Programme is delivered in partnership by Forbes and Burnley College and participants…
The importance of a 'Clean Break'
Family Law experts Forbes Solicitors are advising people to consider a 'clean break' arrangement or obtain an order dealing with financial matters after divorcing following the recent case of a lottery winner who was sued by his ex wife for a share of his winnings. Nigel Page was sued by his…
Make sure you know what it's going to cost · Agent's fees percentage - if you agree a discount or negotiated rate tell us · EPC · Mortgage broker's fees - have you signed an agreement to pay their costs? If so tell us. · Mortgage set up costs/booking fee - is it paid up…
I've heard in the media that prenuptial agreements are now legally binding in the UK. Is this true? Should I enter into one?
The recent case in the press where a divorce settlement was reduced by more than £4 million pounds based on a prenuptial agreement is important as it was heard by our higher Courts and so sets a precedent for how these matters should be approached. Since 1973, the law has provided a checklist…
Domestic Violence - No need to suffer in silence
Many women and men can feel trapped in a relationship and suffer at the hands of the ones they love the most. Research shows however that domestic violence is most commonly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. Anyone can suffer domestic violence regardless of race, ethnicity, class,…
Does my UK Will cover any property owned abroad?
The recent death of Ian Cameron, father of the Prime Minister, in France is a reminder to all those who own property abroad of the need to seek legal advice in the country where the property is situated, not only in relation to the purchase of property but also as to its disposal on death. Many…
Is it possible to take action against my dentist for negligent treatment?
I have recently been told by my new Dentist that I have serious periodontal disease, i.e. that my gums are deteriorating and some of my teeth are becoming loose. I have been told that this is because the disease attacks the gums and in turn erodes the bone that holds my teeth in place. My new Dentist…
The answer is strictly - No. There is no provision in law referring specifically to Grandparent's rights. However, that is not to say that a Grandparent cannot make an application to the Court in order to make arrangements to see a Grandchild. Of course, it is always preferable to reach an agreement out…
An Intellectual Property Expert at Forbes Solicitors has welcomed the news that a review into how the intellectual property system can better drive growth and innovation will take place. David Cameron announced that a review of IP laws will take place to bring them in line with the internet age.…
As well as the obvious financial and pension planning that goes into retirement, it is a good time to give your affairs in general an "MOT". For most people retirement means a significant change in their financial and personal circumstances and you should review your Will (or make one if you have…
Dect Collection - Three Top Tips
1. Know who you are selling to Identifying who you are selling to is not always as straightforward as it seems, but is crucial. Having the correct name and details of your customer makes a successful recovery more likely. In a recent case at the Court of Appeal a supplier of goods was unable to recover…
Clinical Negligence Specialists Forbes Solicitors are warning people to think carefully before rushing into non-surgical beauty and anti-ageing treatments with unqualified practitioners following a rise in enquiries from those who have suffered as a result. Sara Linford, Clinical Negligence Solicitor…
Quarter of a Century of Service for Forbes' Employee
Long serving Forbes Solicitors' employee Barbara Pickup has recently celebrated quarter of a century with the firm. Barbara joined the Family Law Department at the Blackburn office in 1985 before joining the team at Accrington in 1998. She deals with a variety of Family Law matters including…
Familiar Face Returns to Family Department
Solicitor Gill Carr has rejoined the Accrington office of Forbes Solicitors to head up the Family Law Department after spending 3 years at the firm's Chorley office. Gill has been with Forbes Solicitors since 1996 and spent 7 years at the Accrington office before joining the team at Chorley. She…
EL Policy Trigger Litigation - Issues for the Public Sector
A couple of weeks ago we reported on the decision of the Court of Appeal in the Trigger Litigation arising out the dispute as to which Insurer should respond to an Employers' Liability (EL) claim against an insured for compensation arising out of exposure to asbestos dust leading to the Claimant…
Forbes Solicitors recently acted in the sale of Morgan Lambert Limited, a provider of services designed to assist Social Housing Providers in managing their gas activities, to Millington Lord Limited for £1.3 million Forbes Solicitors provided legal advice to the owners of Morgan Lambert Limited…
The Privileged Position of the Legal Profession - When Must Documents Be Disclosed?
In recent years, many large companies have sought to reduce their overheads by employing in-house legal advisers rather than consulting independent law firms. Social housing providers and their insurers are no exception to this trend. However, it is of vital importance that such organisations are aware…
European Court provides judgment on defences to possession proceedings
In a recent decision the European Court of Human Rights (which sits in Strasbourg, France) has given its view on the latest developments to the law in England and Wales on possession proceedings for residential property. The decision in Kay v United Kingdom offers an analysis of the present law on how…
Breaches of gas safety law see landlords fined
In September 2010, two landlords of a property in Bristol were fined after a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The reason for the criminal charges was that the landlords had not complied with their duties under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Atulkulmar…
New guidance provided on assessing rough sleepers
In September 2010, the Government published new guidance on how local authorities are to conduct street counts of the number of people who are sleeping rough in their area. It is said by the Government to be a more accurate of estimating the total with the aim of obtaining a more accurate image of the…
Rising from the ashes: what is the future for social housing regulation?
The abolition of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) was announced on 14 October 2010 by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps. The announcement signals the end of one of the principal organisations designed to regulate the social housing sector. With the intended closure of the Audit Commission also due to…
Notices to Quit do determine tenancies says High Court
A Notice to Quit is one of ways of determining a tenancy available to both landlords and tenants. Essentially, the notice is a document which can be served by either party and informs the other that they no longer consent to the tenancy continuing in the future. Subject to any statutory protection or…
Prosecution of landlord highlights dangers of Legionnaires' disease
It has recently been reported in the publication Inside Housing that a housing association has been fined £12,000 following an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at a sheltered housing scheme. This led to one resident being hospitalised with the illness. The housing association pleaded guilty to…
Dog owner given ASBO
A Merseyside tenant has been given an Anti Social Behaviour Order for two years following incidents where her dog was set upon parents and children as they walked from a nearby school, according to a report in Inside Housing. The tenant, from Aigburth in Liverpool, is now barred from walking her dog…
Supreme Court rules on succeeding to secure tenancies
On 23 June 2010, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the case of Austin v Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Southwark [2010] UKSC 28. This case, which previously had been heard by the Court of Appeal in 2009, concerned issues relating to whether the brother of a secure tenant could…
Uncertainty in a tenancy agreement can certainly lead to possession orders
If there are any discrepancies or ambiguous terms in a tenancy agreement, it can lead to problems arising for both the landlord and the tenant. It is often the case in such situations that the parties do not fully understand their rights and obligations under the agreement and this may only come to…
Foster child fails to be considered a 'family member' for succession
Succession can be one of the most difficult and emotive issues that a social landlord has to deal with. It is often the case that a decision reached on whom, if anyone, should succeed to a tenancy will leave some family members aggrieved. In order to prevent tenancies from being passed on forever,…
Last Orders for the ASBO?
In July 2010 the Home Secretary, Theresa May, gave a speech which call for changes in the way anti social behaviour is to be tackled. It was said by the Secretary of State that one in seven people believed that their local area suffered from high levels of anti social behaviour and that alterations had…
Government announces plans to alter social tenancies
In recent announcements the Coalition Government has announced its intentions towards making changes to social housing tenancies. The proposed adjustments are significant and could potentially alter the working practices of social landlords. It is expected that there will be a consultation taking place…
Roll up, Roll up for a Pre Nup
Divorce Solicitors at Lancashire Law firm Forbes Solicitors is advising couples to consider entering into a prenuptial agreement following a landmark ruling. Although prenuptial agreements aren't binding in English Law the decision by the Supreme Court in the case of Ms Radmacher and Mr Granatino…
Forbes Solicitors' Chorley office continues to expand following relocation
The Family Law team at the recently relocated Chorley office of Forbes Solicitors has been strengthened following the appointment of Solicitor Amanda Taylor. Amanda specialises in family work and mainly undertakes children, divorce and finance matters along with some injunction and domestic…
Loan Star State
The latest move in the Liverpool FC legal soap opera is a salutary example of how parties will often try to have another go at the same case in a different country if they do not like the outcome the first time round according to Forbes Solicitors. The next step has taken place in Texas where the…
Pub chain fined after landlord dies from carbon monoxide poisoning
In October 2010 a pub chain was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £19,000 costs at Liverpool Crown Court after one of its landlords died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Mr Paul Lee, who was the landlord of the Aintree Hotel in Bootle, had put a gas fire in this living room on before going to…
Court of Appeal rules in EL Policy Trigger Litigation
On Friday the Court of Appeal handed down its judgment in the so called Trigger Litigation arising out the dispute as to which Insurer should respond to an Employers' Liability (EL) claim against an insured for compensation arising out of exposure to asbestos dust leading to the Claimant contracting…
Survey reveals 'skill and flair' of Lancashire business owners
· 2010 Lancashire Business Survey reveals over 90 per cent of businesses have maintained or increased sales · 72 per cent confident of investing in their business in next 12-months · Almost half plan to increase staff numbers Confidence is returning to Lancashire's business…
Our latest Employment newsletter is now available, to view a copy of Upfront Vol TWO // Autumn 2010 - The Employment Edition please click here . If you have any comments or feedback please do let us know , we value your input. For more information please visit business employment law or call us…
Facebook 'Places' you in a dangerous spot
The addition of a new Facebook feature has raised concerns for the safety of families trying to hide from abusive partners warns Forbes Solicitors. The feature named 'Places' allows a user to indicate upon their profile exactly where they are at any given time. Not only this, but friends can check…
Craig Bancroft of The Northcote Group on why he uses Forbes
Craig Bancroft, Joint Managing Director of The Northcote Group met up with Helen Gorrell to discuss the success of his business and the reasons he has been a client of Forbes for over 20 years. How did the Northcote Group begin and have you achieved what you first set out to? I came here in…
If you play a part in the hospitality industry, whether it's hiring out your venue for events and seminars, staging parties or weddings, or providing holiday accommodation, you will need to ensure that you have adequate terms and conditions to protect you in the event of things not quite going to plan…
Licensing - more changes ahead?
New controversial changes are ahead in light of the Governments consultation on licensing reform. The new conditions will bring further changes to an industry which was only recently overhauled with the introduction of the Licensing Act 2003. In April 2010 the first three mandatory new conditions came…
Four new trainee solicitors have recently been welcomed to Forbes Solicitors. Kerry Grieve from Blackburn, Hannah Brierley and Liam Mcardle both from Burnley and Nigel McCloy, originally from Coleraine in Northern Ireland but now living in Wakefield have all joined the firm after completing their…
The Criminal Law team at Chorley based Forbes Solicitors has been joined by the aptly named Alana Law. Alana is a Solicitor from Penwortham and studied at UCLAN. She regularly travels to courts, police stations and prisons in Lancashire and Greater Manchester to assist clients. Steve Dawson,…
I have dementia and can still plan for my future
To coincide with World Alzheimer's Day on September 21st Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is demystifying the common myth that people automatically lose the right to look after their affairs once they have been diagnosed with the illness. Jane Cannon, a Solicitor in the Wills and Probate Team…
Happy holidays in the Costa Brava
Many Britons are choosing to invest in holiday homes abroad. A place in the sun can be the ultimate place to escape to and relax but how many have given much thought to what will happen to their dream holiday home when they have passed away. The recent death of the Prime Ministers father, Ian Cameron,…
Forbes gets Preston moving again
Following the success of last year's event Forbes Solicitors is again sponsoring Preston on the Move. Preston on the Move is an eight day festival which will include a host of sporting and cultural activities in and around the city centre. The event begins with cycle cross on Saturday 18th…
Expansion for Forbes Crime Team
Forbes Solicitors is delighted to announce the expansion of its crime department with the addition of Anthony Parkinson. Anthony completed his training contract with the firm and has now taken up the position of Solicitor based at the firm's Preston office. He completed both his law degree and LPC…
Who's A Connaughty Boy?
The administration of the huge property services company Connaught which has many contracts with social housing providers raises issues that all businesses should keep in mind when negotiating contracts warns Forbes Solicitors. Daniel Milnes, Head of Business Law at Forbes Solicitors sets out the…
"Let It Be Known To Your Mates On The Estate�"
Rigby v Wigan Council District Judge Mornington - Wigan County Court 2nd September 2010 Forbes Insurance department successfully defended a claim for Wigan Council where the Claimant was seeking damages relating to an alleged tripping accident near to his home address in December 2006 after going to…
Chemist Deal
Forbes Solicitors recently acted for Aston Chemists in the purchase of assets of Robert Heaps Limited. Aston Chemists of Blackburn purchased the assets for £1.1million. This takes the total number of chemists owned by Aston Chemists to three and there is the potential for further purchases in…
Forbes Solicitors recently acted for in the purchase of Chapel Grange Nursery for £142,500. Forbes acted for the buyers, Jason and Lucy Wilson of Sandbach, Cheshire. Pauline Rigby, Solicitor in the Business Law team at Forbes Solicitors who acted on behalf of the buyers comments, "This is a…
Landmark agreement extends ASA's digital remit
As the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is about to extend its digital remit to deliver more comprehensive consumer protection online, Forbes Solicitors is advising businesses to be up to speed with the changes to avoid any penalties. Currently the ASA's online remit covers paid-for…
Summer's been and gone and so has your savings interest
You may have had no choice but to run your savings down over the summer. Or you may already be thinking about building your savings up for next year's Summer holiday. On the other hand you may be lucky enough to have plenty of money kicking around in different savings accounts or investments. But how…
Plan now to ease student debt
As thousands of young people across England are celebrating obtaining a place at university, many parents with younger children will be dreaming about their own children going to university. Now is the time for those parents to take action to help ease the burden on their children later in life. As…
A mindset to make a claim
Hanley v The Cooperative Group (Huddersfield County Court) Forbes Insurance successfully defended the Cooperative Group in a claim brought by a member of the public for personal injury. Mrs Hanley said that she had slipped on a grape on the floor of a Cooperative retail store and alleged breach of…
No liability on Council for flooding on highway
Seddons (Plant and Engineers) Ltd v Warrington Borough Council and United Utilities - (Warrington County Court) The claimant company claimed damages arising from an incident where a car driven by one of its employees became submerged in a deep pool of water and foul waste which had accumulated on the…
As disgraced Tiger Woods' divorce from his betrayed wife Elin Nordegren was finalised yesterday, Forbes Solicitors is advising that if both the couple agree on the terms there needn't be a drawn out divorce battle. The couple finalised their divorce yesterday after Tiger's infidelities came to light…
Owner managed and family run businesses in Lancashire who are concerned about what will happen to their business in the future are being invited to a free Sale and Succession breakfast seminar by three of the regions leading professional services firms. Experts from the teams at Forbes Solicitors, EV…
Increase in parental child abduction
Forbes Solicitors is advising separated families to make sure holiday plans are always firmly agreed to avoid any problems. This comes as the Foreign Office has reported a 39% increase in the number of cases where a British child has been abducted by a parent and taken overseas in the past year. Most…
Will Writers Warning
Following the recent Panorama programme highlighting the dangers of using a will writer, Forbes Solicitors advise that the only way to guarantee the best for your loved ones is for your Will to be drawn up by a specialist solicitor. Shocking figures reveal that 67% of consumers wrongly believe that…
HMRC v Portsmouth - Post-match Analysis
This recent top of the list clash in the Companies Court at the Royal Courts of Justice (Wembley for lawyers) produced some highlights affecting more than the players on the pitch. HMRC clearly went for the big win in this match and referee Mr Justice Mann identified two attacking strategies in play:…
Ease-y to forget
The recent case of Lester & Hardy v Woodgate & Woodgate [2010] EWCA Civ 919 highlights the importance of making sure that a right over someone else's land, such as a right of way, known as an 'easement' does not lapse through disuse. The facts of the case involved neighbours. One neighbour had…
Forbes Solicitors' Manchester office has taken up larger offices to extend its presence in the city The Manchester branch opened in 2005 and is a specialist liability based office serving major insurers and the public sector. Andrew Ellis, Managing Partner at the Manchester office comments, &…
The Effect of the Recession on Divorce
Money worries and financial difficulties are very often cited as an initiating or significant contributing factor in marriage breakdown. Whilst it has often been reported that divorce rates significantly increase during times of recession, the tightening of the family purse strings can also have an…
Forbes Solicitors wins EL/PL litigated claims handling contract for Asda
The Leeds office of Forbes Solicitors is delighted to announce Asda as a new client of the firm. Forbes has been contracted to handle litigated Employer's Liability, Public liability and Product Liability Claims on behalf of Asda. The Leeds branch is a specialist liability based office serving major…
Landmark Divorce Ruling on Hidden Money
Forbes Solicitors is warning divorcing parties against using documents obtained without the other party's permission following a groundbreaking case in the Court of Appeal. Up until today, information a husband or wife came across showing the other party was hiding money during Divorce Proceedings…
Forbes Solicitors' Clinical Negligence Team quoted in national press
Clinical Negligence experts Forbes Solicitors were recently quoted in The Guardian. Sara Linford, clinical negligence solicitor was quoted by the leading national newspaper in the article, 'Cosmetic 'cowboys' face wave of lawsuits'. The article was looking at the call for new rules and regulations as a…
Court's Warning Of Putting Profit Before Safety
A recent Health & Safety prosecution reminds employers of the Court's attitude when profit is put before safety. Clearly in the current economic climate with cuts and efficiency savings being made in both the private and public sector, organisations should take heed that the Court will impose…
Advanced Accreditation for Blackburn Solicitor
The skills of a Lancashire solicitor have been recognised by the Law Society of England & Wales. Rubina Vohra, Solicitor and Head of the Family Department at Blackburn law firm Forbes Solicitors, has recently become a member of the Family Law Advanced Accreditation Scheme. To become a member of…
Forbes up for three at DPIB Lancashire Business Awards
Forbes Solicitors are delighted to have been nominated for Best Legal Firm at the forthcoming DPIB Lancashire Business Awards. Manisha Modasia has been nominated for Female Networker of the Year whilst Stuart Shorthouse has been nominated for Male Networker of the Year. The third annual awards…
Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors has supported a mentoring programme, for the fifth year running, to help law graduates find their way around the legal jobs market. Adam Bromley, Commercial Property Solicitor at Forbes is responsible for the firm's mentoring support. He said, "The…
If you die without a Will in the UK you die "intestate", which basically means that your estate is administered in accordance with the Intestacy Rules. The division of your estate and possessions will be determined according to these rules which are often impersonal, inflexible and do not reflect today'…
Pension Warning
With the government planning to speed up plans to raise the age at which the state pension can be claimed, Forbes Solicitors is warning people to start thinking about saving for the future. The state pension age for men will become 66, possibly as early as 2016 and women will move to a state…
Court of Appeal rules on domestic violence ground in possession cases
Under ground 14A of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988, it is possible for social landlords to seek possession of a property let under an assured tenancy due to domestic violence. The discretionary ground requires that the property in question was being occupied (whether alone or with others) by a…
Local authorities are obliged under the Children Act 1989 to support and protect vulnerable children and their families. These duties include providing accommodation for them to reside in. When such children find alternative means of housing (for example through residential schools), one issue that…
A Notice to Quit does not infringe human rights rules High Court
When one joint tenant decides that they wish to stop living at the tenanted property, it is often the case that they also wish to end their legal obligations towards the tenancy. If a tenant simply leaves without following the correct procedure, they can still be liable for the payment of rent and other…
The Lancashire Business Survey returns for a third year and the organisers want to know your thoughts and feelings on the important issues, from consumer confidence to regeneration plans. The survey is being carried out by Downtown in Business and is sponsored by Forbes Solicitors, Moore and Smalley…
Forbes Solicitors expands presence in Chorley
Forbes Solicitors is delighted to announce that the firm has expanded its presence in Chorley by relocating to new premises. The new office at 55 St Thomas's Road is more than double the size of the previous premises and will provide significant practical benefits to both staff and clients. The…
Court of Appeal emphasises the importance of knowing your customer
It is not often that cases dealing with debt recovery reach the Court of Appeal, but on 15 June 2010 judgment was handed down in one such case which serves as a useful reminder of the importance of taking steps to identify who you are selling to. The case concerned a fruit and vegetable supplier. They…
Take action over late payment
Lancashire Law firm Forbes Solicitors is advising companies to take action to overcome the problem of late payment. A recent Late Payment Survey by the Chambers of Commerce North West found that over three quarters of respondents has never charged interest on late payment and only 13% had taken…
New family lawyer at Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors is pleased to announce further expansion of the Family Law Team at its Chorley office with the appointment of Solicitor Donna Amos. Donna is a member of the family law panel Resolution which supports a constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. She will…
Why people need advice not just price comparisons
Characters like the MeerKat Aleksander Orlov and the Opera Singer Gio Compario have helped to convince a generation that Comparison websites are the best place to seek advice. This is only true if you believe that cheapest is always best. Comparison websites provide some information but don…
First post-Weaver case to be heard by High Court
In June 2010, the High Court will hear the first case to test the law after the decision of the Court of Appeal in R (on the application of Weaver) v London & Quadrant Housing Trust [2009] EWCA Civ 587. The Weaver decision had stated that housing associations could be classified as public bodies…
Tackling sub-letting in social housing
The issue of the sub-letting of social housing stock is arguably one of the chief problems facing the sector at the present time. With a shortage of such accommodation in the United Kingdom, efforts are being made to prevent these properties from being sub-let to third parties, without a landlord's…
Forbes Solicitors is warning cohabiting couples of the importance to obtain advice regarding entering into a Cohabitation Agreement . Couples can seek to regulate their property and financial arrangements by entering into a properly executed Cohabitation Agreement. It is important that legal…
I take thee and your debt
Forbes Solicitors is warning divorcing couples not to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to debts of the marriage. The current economic climate is a contributory reason for many clients instigating divorce proceedings and the debt that many clients find themselves in, only serves to…
High Court rules on assessing the health of a housing applicant
Given the relative scarcity of social housing in the United Kingdom and the size of the waiting list for such accommodation, it is necessary for local housing authorities and housing associations to be able to prioritise those who are in the greatest need. This classification of applicants is normally…
Jackson Review could lead to changes in housing law
In November 2008, Lord Justice Jackson was appointed to chair a review of the costs involved in civil litigation. His report, which was published recently, contained a wide number of recommendations and observations about a number of areas of law. One such area was housing law and a number of…
Barking up the wrong tree: Landlords aim to deal with nuisance animals
The current trend for owning a pit bull-type dog as a 'status symbol' has led to an increase in the level of anxiety about such animals and is an issue which may become increasingly important for housing associations in the future. Figures obtained by the publication Inside Housing from the Health and…
Lancashire Law firm Forbes Solicitors has launched a free weekly advice session on Clinical Negligence to assist people who have suffered as a result of bad healthcare. As the only team of Clinical Negligence Solicitors in the area Forbes Solicitors has a dedicated team of specialists with a wide range…
Nicola Beneduce Qualifies
Forbes Solicitors is pleased to announce the expansion of its Conveyancing team with the addition of Nicola Beneduce. Nicola who is from Blackburn joined the firm in 2004 as a paralegal whilst completing her Law degree part-time at UCLAN. She then went on to complete her LPC at The College of Law…
The new government have wasted no time in laying an order before Parliament suspending HIPs pending legislation for a permanent abolition. Energy Performance Certificates remain a requirement. The speed at which this action has been taken has removed the uncertainty from the market as sellers waited to…
Don't forget to protect your income
When it comes to insurance, there are plenty of obvious candidates for cover,for example your home, your car, your travel and even your pets. But while it's prudent to be protected, almost 90% of the UK's workforce fail to take out insurance for the thing that pays for all this cover : THEIR INCOME !…
My husband is having an affair but won't admit the adultery, can I still divorce him and how will I cope financially?
I have just discovered my husband is having an affair. He won't admit it, but he has been behaving suspiciously for the last few months, and now he says he wants a trial separation. We have two children, both at primary school, a house with a mortgage which is jointly owned, I am only able to work…
Jail for landlord after breaches of gas and fire safety laws
It has been reported that a landlord has been jailed for two and a half years following a fire at a property which left a tenant with such serious injuries that her prospects for recovery were stated at one per cent. Following charges of breaching health and safety, gas safety and fire safety laws…
Darwen based WEC Group has acquired Nutter Aircrafts Limited for an undisclosed sum. WEC Group, headquartered in Darwen, comprises six divisions, each specialising in different aspects of fabrication and machining. Daniel Milnes, Partner at Forbes Solicitors whose Business Law and other specialist…
As we wake up today to a hung parliament, what does that mean for the residential housing market?
In the run up to the election, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of mortgage approvals. Between January and March there was a reduction of 30,000 applications in the UK compared to the previous three months. Michelle Thompson, Senior Residential Property Solicitor at Forbes Solicitors…
Nationwide alcohol ban shows importance of Drink Banning Orders
It was reported in the national media in April 2010 that a woman from Bromsgrove has been issued with a Drink Banning Order (DBO) for the maximum possible period of 2 years and is valid across the whole of the country. The terms of the DBO mean that she is not permitted to purchase any alcohol from any…
Public law defences can apply to possession proceedings in exceptional circumstances
The Court of Appeal has recently been required to provide a judgment upon a case concerning human rights issues in possession proceedings. This area of law has been the subject of considerable judicial attention in recent months and there is also the anticipated decision due from the Supreme Court in…
It is still common in business for deals to be made on a handshake but more increasingly emails are now being used to make and accept orders for goods and services. However what is often overlooked is what would happen if a dispute arises, would a court consider a series of emails to be a legally…
Paul Stephen v Warrington Borough Council Warrington County Court 1st February 2010 District Judge Cahill The Claimant sought damages for personal injuries sustained when he tripped over a defect in the carriageway on 16th May 2008. The Claimant had parked his van part on the pavement and part on…
26 March 2010, Preston County Court Barron v Preston College Deputy District Judge Jones Forbes has successfully defended an occupiers liability claim brought against Preston College at trial. The claim was dismissed on the grounds that the judge did not find a foreseeable risk of danger. The…
With the first signs of Spring in the air it is the perfect season to tidy up your finances. Now could be a good time to start to save or increase your savings. The New Tax Year has just begun and the new £10,200 ISA allowances are available. Savers should beware of when any ISA Bonus Rate…
Forbes Solicitors has reinforced its position as being one of the leading firms for providing advice to the public sector after being appointed to the North West Legal Consortium's (NWLC) panel. The consortium is made up of 25 local authorities across the North West including Preston City Council…
To coincide with the recent Dementia Awareness campaign the NHS is running, Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is issuing a warning to people about managing their affairs once they have been diagnosed with dementia. Jane Cannon, a Wills and Probate Solicitor at Forbes advises, "People are often…
The importance of landlords adhering to the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 was underlined on 24 March 2010 at Southampton Magistrates' Court following a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution. The landlords of a property, Mr Robert Watts and Mr David Watts…
First Time Buyers - changes to Stamp Duty Thresholds
In his budget on the 24th March 2010, the Chancellor introduced a new relief on stamp duty for first time buyers. Previously the starting threshold was £125,0000 , but this has been raised for first time buyers only to £250,000. The increase applies on purchases completed on or after the…
Knowing when to take action The question to be asked in any debt case is "what is the likelihood of getting paid?" An unpaid debt becomes bad when it can no longer be collected. Before any action is taken a cost/benefit analysis should be carried out to decide whether steps should be taken to pursue…
No FIP flop: Success sees Family Intervention Projects increase in use
The Government announced in March 2010 that there would be a further 88 Family Intervention Projects (FIP) across the country in addition to extra funding for local authorities to start or expand FIPs in their area. It is said that the new FIPs could help around 1,200 families each year and are funded…
Landlord punished for breaching gas safety laws
In March 2010, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that it had prosecuted a landlord from Dewsbury who was found to have been breaching the laws relating to gas safety in residential properties. Mr Mahmud Bulbulia of Dewsbury (who owned and rented out a property in the town) was ordered to…
Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors advised on the sale of D&S Engineering
The Blackburn-based provider of total engineering solutions has been bought by T Clarke plc. In its role as legal adviser, Forbes Solicitors provided legal advice on the deal that will see Managing Director Peter Dawson's retirement from the Business. Corporate Law Solicitor Daniel Milnes said: "It…
The Government is currently considering the Crime and Security Bill which will introduce "go orders". The orders will be issued by police officers requiring a violent family member to leave the home for a fixed period of time in order to allow the victim breathing space and safety in their own…
The Home Secretary Alan Johnson has announced a proposal that all reports of Anti-Social Behaviour are to be dealt with in a 24 hour time frame, reports Inside Housing (12th March 2010). Siobhan O'Donnell from the Housing Litigation team at Forbes Solicitors considers how realistic the 24 hour deadline…
It has recently been reported that Bolton Council has become the first local authority in the North of England to make use of an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) in order to take control of a privately owned property, make necessary repairs to it and make it available for residential accommodation…
LEAP forward - Housing Association assists tenants in changing their lifestyles
The 5th March 2010 issue of Inside Housing reports how Sentinel Housing Association are shunning enforcement proceedings as a way of tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and are instead opting for training programmes for their tenants. Siobhan O'Donnell from the Housing Litigation team at Forbes Solicitors…
The government rejects calls to overturn pleural plaques decision
Following a long running consultation, Jack Straw announced last week that the government will not attempt to reverse the Law Lords ruling made in October 2007. In the case of Rothwell v Chemical & Insulating Co Ltd, the Law Lords determined that the existence of pleural plaques does not constitute…
The granting of an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) is potentially one of the most intrusive orders that can be made against a person, as it can significantly impact upon their freedom. Therefore, a court will want to be satisfied that such an order is necessary and proportionate when it is granted…
Gas engineers sentenced for breaching gas safety rules
In two recent prosecutions, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has sought to tackle the problem of people undertaking work to gas appliances when not correctly registered to do so. Both of these cases indicate how seriously the HSE and the courts view beaches of gas safety rules. It is therefore…
Somewhere Around Here - Pre Action Disclosure Claims
Kalu v Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Wigan County Court, 12th February 2010 Deputy District Judge Turner This case, in which Forbes represented the Defendant, highlights the common difficulty encountered by Councils where Claimants fail to properly identify the site of accidents in pre…
Double trouble as gas engineer prosecuted for second time
The importance of complying with gas safety rules has been highlighted by the prosecution of a gas engineer from Gloucestershire for not following the law. It was said to have been the second time that Royston Godsell, of Cheltenham, had been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for gas-…
Terry Moore v Cooperative Group ltd. Doncaster county court 19th February 2010 Recorder Salter The Claimant sought damages for credit hire charges incurred as a result of a road traffic accident on 6th April 2008 when the Claimant's Land Rover Sport was damaged in the Defendant's car wash. The…
I am considering making a claim for clinical negligence following a medical procedure, what do I need to consider?
How do you put a value on your claim? Each case has to be considered on its own merits. The aim of compensation is to put the affected person back in the position they would have been in had the negligence not occurred and to compensate as far as possible for the losses caused by the injury. A…
Notices must be clear and unambiguous says High Court
Whenever any legal document such as an enforcement notice is to be served upon an individual or organisation, it is vital that the terms used are as clear as possible. They should be drafted in a manner which means that there is no chance of any misinterpretation arising. Should a notice (or indeed any…
Possession proceedings must be 'reasonable' rules Court of Appeal
It is generally considered that seeking an order for possession of residential accommodation and thus removing someone from their home is one of the greatest interferences with a person's life. Therefore, it is imperative that social landlords are able to demonstrate to a judge hearing such a claim that…
Prosecution of Gas Engineer shows importance of gas safety rules
A man from Manchester has recently been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, by carrying out work to gas appliances when unregistered. Grimsby Magistrates' Court heard that between January and February 2008, James O'…
Advanced Accreditation for Preston Solicitor
The skills of a Lancashire lawyer have been recognised by the Law Society of England & Wales. Sarah Hinde, family lawyer at Preston law firm Forbes, has recently gained Law Society accredited specialist status and become a member of the Family Law Advanced Accreditation Scheme. To become a member…
A gas fitter has been fined by Hereford Magistrates' Court after it was found that he was unregistered and that the work carried out posed a significant risk to other people. Jaime Loxston pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Gas Safety (Installation and Use…
Landlord fined for ignoring gas safety rules
A landlord from Oxfordshire has recently been prosecuted for failing to maintain the safety of gas appliances in the tenanted property. On 1 February 2009, Didcot Magistrates' Court heard the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that between January 2009 and July 2009, Graham Barnes failed to…
National Acclaim for Preston Solicitor
The skills of a local Preston Solicitor have been recognised by the UK's leading family law group - Resolution. Jane Nightingale, Family Lawyer at Forbes Solicitors, has recently gained Resolution accredited specialist status. Jane comments, "As a Resolution member, I am committed to…
Misapplying policies can lead to Judicial Review for social landlords says High Court
The Housing Act 1996 imposes a number of obligations and requirements upon local housing authorities and Registered Social Landlords when dealing with tenancy related matters. One such requirement can be found in section 190. This section imposes a duty on local housing authorities to secure…
The Rights of a Common Law Spouse
The myth of the Common Law Spouse still remains. This is worrying considering the increasing number of couples choosing to live together, but never marrying. The biggest misconception is that couples who have lived together for a number of years without getting married (cohabitants - see cohabitation…
Debunking the myth over gas appliance work
In January 2010, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has made the focus of its 'Myth of the Month' feature the rules relating to work being carried out to gas appliances. Under the slogan of 'Gas and Cowboys don't mix', HSE has made attempts to highlight the importance of such work being undertaken…
Students to be taught the risks of gas in rented accommodation
In January 2010, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a new safety awareness campaign, aimed at students at university. The 'Will You Wake Up?' operation targets students, their parents and their landlords to inform them about the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. With HSE figures showing…
Fight continues as High Court orders Council's decision on wardens to be reviewed
On 15 December 2009, the High Court made a ruling on the validity of the decision of two local authorities in England to remove on-site wardens from its sheltered accommodation schemes. The case of R (on the application of Boyejo and others v Barnet London Borough Council [2009] EWHC 3621 is the first…
New Year brings new Judicial Review claims against Landlords
2009 could arguably have been seen has a turbulent year for landlords and other social housing providers in the context of judicial review. With the decision in R (on the application of Weaver) v London & Quadrant Housing Trust [2009] EWCA Civ 587 still being digested, January 2010 saw one of the…
Judicial Review upholds landlord's decision to refuse ground-floor flat to tenant
2009 saw a significant number of judicial review claims being brought against social housing providers for tenancy-related decisions. Since the decision in the case of R (on the application of Weaver) v London & Quadrant Housing Trust [2009] EWCA Civ 587, it has been the case that social housing…
1. ISAs are tax-efficient · There is no income tax to pay on the interest you earn on a Cash ISA · Basic rate taxpayers get a fifth more in interest each year than from the same account outside a tax-efficient ISA. · If you put your money into stocks and shares (see point 3),…
I am considering getting a divorce but have lots of questions about the process, what are the main things I need to consider?
How long does the divorce process take? It depends on which Court you issue out of, but generally, a normal divorce takes between 5 - 6 months. What are the likely costs? The Court fees are currently £300 issue fee and £40 absolute fee. The Solicitors fees will vary from firm…
Could the divorce battle be changing?
The Divorce Solicitors at Lancashire law firm Forbes Solicitors is warning divorcing couples to take caution in using their partner's mail as evidence in court following the high profile divorce case of celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. The chef is pursuing his estranged wife's lawyers in…
Reducing UK Inheritance Tax - How much will I have to pay?
There are a number of ways in which you can reduce your Inheritance Tax , and by incorporating them into your lifetime estate planning you can potentially substantially reduce your Inheritance Tax liability upon death. 1) Make sure you use your annual allowance Everyone is entitled to give away up to…