HM News

Government announces suspension of HIPs

As of the 21st May 2010 Home Information Packs (HIPs) are suspended by the new coalition government.

The news has been welcomed by the majority of the businesses involved in the p [...] more

Budget 2010 – Review of Tax

The following changes to UK taxation were announced in this year’s budget:-


INHERITANCE TAX

The nil rate band for Inheritance Tax will be froze [...] more

Stamp Duty Land Tax - Changes in the law

1. As at the 25 March 2010 the Chancellors budget has provided first time buyers with additional stamp duty land tax relief. One or more individuals buying a major interest in land up t [...] more

New Membership for Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners

Julia Honeywill Solicitor of Devon based solicitors Harold Michelmore has been accepted as a member of the national association the “Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners” [...] more

What is Best for the Children?

There are so many different reports around commenting on what is good or bad parenting; it can be confusing trying to determine what is best for your child. A recent report identifies a n [...] more

New Memberships for Solicitors for the Elderly Association

Shirley Tull Senior Solicitor and Partner and Julia Honeywill Solicitor of Devon based solicitors Harold Michelmore have been accepted as members of the national association “Solici [...] more

Follow the Code - The New Disciplinary & Grievance Regime

On Monday, 6th April 2009, the new “ACAS Statutory Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance” replaced the statutory procedure under the Employment Act 2002.

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Home Information Pack Changes 6th April 2009

The Government has announced its proposals to change the current Home Information Pack First Day Marketing Rules which allows homes to be marketed without a Home Information Pack providin [...] more

Photocard Driving Licences – Check the Expiry Date

The photocard driving licence system is now just over 10 years old, having replaced the paper licence.

Many people are not aware that their photocard licences are only vali [...] more

Understanding the Transferable Nil Rate Band

BEYOND 65: The “grey ceiling” and a grey outlook

The European Court of Justice have at last ruled (5th March) that British employers can legitimately continue to force employees to retire at 65 without breaking EU rules.

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Harold Michelmore adds to its busy Private Client Team

Harold Michelmore has strengthened its wills, probate, trust and tax planning expertise with the appointment of Solicitor David Stacey, formerly at Douglas P [...] more

The Long-Term Sick and Holiday Entitlement

You may have heard that the European Court of Justice has ruled that workers on long-term sick leave are entitled to holidays, even though they are away from work for an entire holiday ye [...] more

Home Information Pack Changes

On the 8^th December 2008 the Government announced new regulations with regard to Home Information Packs.more

Employment

The draft ACAS code of practice on discipline and grievance has been approved by the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and, after approval by Parliament, w [...] more

The Courts and Collaborative Law

Welcome news from the Courts last week when a senior High court Judge spoke on how the Courts can help encourage couples to use the Collaborative process. He has very helpfully indicated [...] more

Stamp Duty Threshold

On the 2nd September 2008 the Government announced that it would be increasing th [...] more

Redundancies

Have you been given notice of redundancy or are you an employer considering making staff redundant?

Whether you are an employer or an employee it is vital you receive the r [...] more

Welcoming First Time Buyers

Harold Michelmore is delighted to invite first time buyers and their families to an evening at Chamberlains Estate Agents in Kingsteignton on Thursday 7th August from 7pm. There will be a [...] more

Agency workers to get equal rights

UK employees’ rights are generally protected under the Employment Rights Act 1996, but the protection does not extend to the estimated 1.3 million agency workers in the UK who may h [...] more

TO RETIRE OR NOT TO RETIRE: THAT REMAINS THE QUESTION

Age Discrimination update

Last week the Court of Appeal decided that a woman who had been “retired” against her will could challenge her retirement even though [...] more

£10,000.00 fine for employing unregistered foreign employees

Only 30 employers out of an estimated 20,000 have apparently registered with the UK Border Agency. Registration is compulsory for employers recruiting skilled staff from outside the Europ [...] more

Enforceable pre-nuptial agreements?

Pre-nuptial agreements could become enforceable under English law in the foreseeable future. Following the recent approval of agreements between spouses in the cases of Crossley v. Crossl [...] more

Beware - Do you need an Energy Performance Certificate?

You are probably aware that you cannot now place a residential property on the market for sale without a Home Information Pack, which includes an Energy Performance Certif [...] more