This page shows what has been recently added to the site. For other listings please see our firm news, mfg for business news, mfg for rual news, mfg for me news or photo gallery of ongoing changes at mfg solicitors.
October 2010
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Feuding parents to attend custody classes
Published October 2010
Thousands of parents who go to court to settle custody and access disputes may be required to attend classes designed to make them consider the impact on the children involved.
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Ensuring compliance with the new Equality Act
Published October 2010
With the majority of the Equality Act having come into force on 1st October 2010, there are some of key changes employers should be particularly aware of:
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Minimum wage increases
Published October 2010
Firms are reminded that minimum wage levels rose on 1st October 2010 in line with recommendations made by the Low Pay Commission.
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Match Day Sponsor
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City council could face mountain of unfair dismissal claims
Published October 2010
A leading Midland employment lawyer has warned that Birmingham City Council could face a mountain of costly unfair dismissal claims from workers threatened with the axe.
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Planning expert boosts MFG agricultural team
Published October 2010
Midland law firm MFG Solicitors is bolstering its highly-regarded agricultural arm with a new recruit.
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Tour de Worcs raises charity cash
Published October 2010
Three Midland lawyers turned pedal power into charity cash on a two-wheeled tour of Worcestershire
Richard Connolly, a commercial property partner at MFG Solicitors in Worcester, Alex Hall, a solicitor in the corporate department, and trainee Paul Krivosic took part in a 65-mile sponsored bike ride in aid of Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
Part 8: Due Diligence – NHS contracts
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September 2010
Entry rights for bailiffs and enforcement officers
Published September 2010
Sometimes enforcement measures are necessary to ensure the successful payment of debts, which can involve going into premises to seize goods. However, there is strict legislation governing when bailiffs and High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEO) can enter commercial and residential premises.
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Hidden money to remain secret in divorces
Published September 2010
Thousands of financially vulnerable spouses will no longer be able to provide evidence of their partner's hidden assets in divorce cases if the documents have been obtained without permission.
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Illegal employment of unpaid interns
Published September 2010
Private companies are breaking the law and leaving themselves vulnerable to legal action if they employ unpaid interns, according to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research and Internocracy.
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The risks of increased competition for Will writing
Published September 2010
The Legal Services Act, which is due to come into practice in October 2011, could leave individuals who are looking to cut costs at risk if they use unregulated advisors when writing their Wills.
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Ask the Experts
I heard about a daughter overturning her mother’s Will because the daughter thought she should have the farm. I thought if you made a Will that was that - what’s the point of making a Will if it can be overturned?
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Ask the Experts
I’ve had a tenant on my land since the late 80s/early 90s but there is no written tenancy agreement. I’ve tried to get that changed before but just never got around to it. His son has now started farming with him and I have heard that they are thinking of creating a farming company. I don’t want to be stuck with the son or a company as my tenant. What should I do?
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Sponsored bike ride
60 mile sponsored bike ride in aid of Worcester Breast Care Unit
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Graham Berry
Joined our Worcester rural team.
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Wills promotion for Sight Concern
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
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August 2010
mfg Wedding Fayre
At Worcestershire County Cricket Club
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Where there’s a Will, there’s an opportunity to help others
Date: 13th to 19th September 2010
Location: mfg's Telford office
A Will is the only way to make sure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. However, have you given any thought to who else could benefit from your Will other than your loved ones?
Remember a Charity Week, which runs from 13th to 19th September 2010, aims to encourage people to leave a gift to charity in their Wills.
To mark this event, mfg Solicitors will be offering a 10% discount on any instructions received by its Telford office during that week for Wills which include provision (however large or small) to any charity.
Whatever cause is closest to your heart, your Will provides an excellent opportunity to benefit others when you are no longer here.
To find out more about making a charitable gift through your Will, please contact Sophie Yates at the Telford office on 01952 641651 or email sophie.yates@mfgsolicitors.com.
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The men that built the MFG of today
Published August 2010
Here’s looking at more than 200 years of service between five elder statesmen of Midlands-based MFG Solicitors or its predecessor firms.
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MFG wills promotion raises charity cash
Published August 2010
Worcestershire law firm MFG Solicitors is making sure it does not lose sight of the needs of charities during the current difficult economic times.
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Setting out on a legal footing
Published August 2010
As couples embark on one of the most exciting adventures of their lives it is important that they lay the right foundations, experts at MFG Solicitors have warned.
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Wages board axe is good news for farmers
Published August 2010
Midland farmers are well pleased that the Agricultural Wages Board is being axed by the Government, according to Sally Morris, partner and head of employment law at MFG Solicitors.
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Warning as bogus will-writers target Shropshire
Published August 2010
Growing numbers of elderly and vulnerable Shropshire residents are being targeted by unscrupulous and unregulated will-writing firms, a county lawyer has warned.
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Get your teeth into the latest legal and finance issues
Date: Friday 24th September 2010
Location: National Motorcycle Museum
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Corporate Hospitality and the Bribery Act
Published August 2010
The new Bribery Act, which is due to come into force later this year, will bring new risks and ethical issues for companies. For example, it will be an offence to give foreign public officials a bribe or other advantage in order to obtain or retain business.
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Fraud soars to record high
Published August 2010
£1 billion was lost through fraud in the first half of this year according to accountancy firm BDO, with the average fraud valued at £6 million. This is the first time in the seven years that BDO has been monitoring fraud levels that the billion pound barrier has been breached.
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Employers' health questions require thorough checkup
Published August 2010
Employers need to review their pre-employment questionnaires in order to remove any sections on health that are not job specific or otherwise exempt before the Equality Act comes into force in October.
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Trusts
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July 2010
VAT relief for DIY housebuilders
Published July 2010
Steven Holden, Associate and Tax & Trust Manager at MFG Solicitors, looks at how to save money if you are a DIY housebuilder or someone building holiday homes to let
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Payment Withheld
An article by Alexander Hall in the July 2010 issue of The Dentist regarding the lawfulness of PCT deductions and the withholding of monthly payments.
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
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mfg for me newsletter
Click here to view our latest mfg for me newsletter.
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June 2010
LPA
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Affairs
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The Budget 2010
Published June 2010
22 June 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered his first Budget less than three months after the final Budget of the last parliament. The Conservative Party had promised an ‘emergency’ Budget during the election campaign, with a view that quicker action was needed to bring down the UK’s record budget deficit. While the recession officially ended in the last quarter of 2009, recovery has been sluggish and Mr Osborne, together with his coalition partners from the Liberal Democrats, has had to balance the need to raise taxes and cut spending with the dangers of provoking a ‘double dip’ recession.
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Home Information Packs suspended
Published June 2010
The new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government has announced the immediate suspension of Home Information Packs (HIPs), with primary legislation to follow in order to abolish them completely.
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Red tape costs increase for British businesses
Published June 2010
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called on the government to use the Queen’s speech as a chance to repeal regulations which cost more than they achieve, after its Burdens Barometer showed that the costs for businesses of red tape and new directives rose by £11 billion in the last year.
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Businesses pay more for illegal workers
Published June 2010
The importance of carrying out pre-employment checks on the legal status of workers has been highlighted by the doubling of the cumulative fines paid by businesses employing illegal workers in 2009.
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mfg Jim Quinn Celebration of 50 Years as Partner
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
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May 2010
Calling all Practice Managers!
Click here to view an invitation from the May 2010 e-update of the BDPMA to attend one of their autumn seminars where our Alexander Hall will be discussing buying and selling a dental practice and current NHS contract and regulatory issues.
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New tax changes will affect all
Published May 2010
Whether you are rich or poor, working or unemployed, you will be affected by personal tax changes announced by the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition Government.
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Firms Face Tougher Penalties Under New Bribery Act
Published May 2010
An international crackdown on bribery means UK firms may face tougher penalties for failing to prevent corruption in future – even if that corruption was carried out by a third party.
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Consistency Needed on Ash Cloud Delays
Published May 2010
The recent travel delays caused by the volcanic ash cloud over Europe has presented bosses with a dilemma over whether to pay staff who have been stranded abroad.
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Delay to Increase in Assured Shorthold Threshold
Published May 2010
The proposed increase in the rent threshold for a tenancy to qualify as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy has been delayed until October, the Ministry of Justice has said.
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‘Fit Notes’ Aim to Cut Absenteeism
Published May 2010
The government’s new ‘fit notes’ scheme came into effect on 6 April, with the aim of saving businesses up to £240million over the next ten years.
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AFC Telford United Sportsman's Evening
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Families at war in inheritance disputes
Published May 2010
More and more families are being split apart in inheritance rows, a Midland lawyer has warned.
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PCT Games
The latest strategies being used by PCTs – an article by Alexander Hall published in the April 2010 edition of the Orthodontic Business Supplement.
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Worcestershire Young Professionals
Date: 18th June
Location: Worcestershire County Cricket Ground, New Road, Worcester, WR2 4QQ.
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Three Counties Show 2010
Date: 18th - 20th June
Location: The Malvern Showground, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
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Newport Show
Date: 10th July
Location: Chetwynd Deer Park, Newport, Shropshire, TF9 2QA.
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Burwarton Show
Date: 5th August
Location: The Showground, Cleobury North, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6RP.
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Oswestry Show
Date: 7th August
Location: Oswestry Showground, Park Hall, Oswestry, SY11 4AX.
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
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Stealth tax hits non-tax payers
Published May 2010
Another stealth tax is about to creep up on the unsuspecting public, an expert has warned.
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Family tradition continues as new partner joins MFG
Published May 2010
A new partner at MFG Solicitors is maintaining a long legal tradition in Kidderminster – he is the fourth generation of his family to practise in the town.
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mfg offers advice on fraud emails
Published May 2010
mfg Solicitors is advising clients to be vigilant against scam emails asking people to provide bank details in order to apply for a tax rebate.
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April 2010
Need for speed on motor insurance claims
Published April 2010
Motorists are being urged to speed up reporting of accidents or risk losing out.
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mfg Point to Point at Chaddesly Corbett, Worcestershire.
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Buying and Selling a Dental Practice – the legal process
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Business structures
Part 3: Heads of Terms
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Next Government urged to leave Trusts alone
Published April 2010
Not all Trusts are tax planning vehicles used by the super rich to avoid paying tax as some would have us believe, according to tax experts at MFG Solicitors.
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Last minute simple tips to help you minimise your tax exposure
Published April 2010
Inheritance tax
Start giving away your cash, every tax year you can 'gift' away £3,000 that will not count towards your total estate and if you do not use the full exemption in one year, you can carry it forward but for just one year only. You can also make gifts of any amount of surplus income, although you must be able to prove that it is from surplus income and not capital funds.
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March 2010
Croome & West Warwickshire Hunt Point-to-Point
Date:
Tuesday 6th April 2010
Location: Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire
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Worcestershire Hunt Point-to-Point
Date:
Saturday 17th April 2010
Location: Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire
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The Budget 2010
Published March 2010
24 March 2010
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling delivered the last budget of this parliament at a time when the focus has shifted slightly from tackling the recession to how to deal with the large amounts of debt built up in doing so. While the economic data over recent months has been decidedly mixed, most economists agree a recovery of sorts is under way for now, although some fear the economy could slide back into recession unless a credible plan for dealing with the budget deficit is presented. With a general election only months away, normally a ‘giveaway’ budget could be expected, but the state of the public finances has largely prevented this.
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Photo gallery - mfg CSR Policy launch
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Opening Up Of Legal Market Could Increase Links With IFAs
Published March 2010
From 6th October 2011, solicitors will face competition from banks, supermarkets and insurance companies as the Legal Services Act's Alternative Business Structures (ABS) comes into force.
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Law Commission Calls For Reforms On Elderly Care
Published March 2010
The Law Commission has proposed a single statute on adult social care to replace the existing legal framework.
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Proposed Libel Law Changes
Published March 2010
Following an 18-month review, the Commons Culture, Media and Sports Committee has recommended a number of changes to libel legislation, but stopped short of calling for a new privacy law.
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CSC Argues Against Referral Fee Ban
Published March 2010
The chair of the Claims Standards Council (CSC), Darren Werth, has spoken out against proposals to ban referral fees.
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HMRC launches new guidelines on notifying them of a tax liability
Published March 2010
Most people understand that if you don't complete your tax return, or pay your tax on time you will be penalised by the tax authorities. What is less commonly understood is that you can also be handed a penalty for failing to tell HMRC about a new source of income. To try and cross this void of public understanding they have this week issued concise guidance on what you need to tell them and when, as well as outlining the penalties for failing to comply. Let me suffice to say that there is no defence in saying that HMRC did not send you a tax return, so you did not think you needed to tell them anything.
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Budget date set for 24 March
Published March 2010
The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, will present his budget speech on Wednesday, 24 March, the government has announced.
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Dental Bulletin
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PDS Plus…or minus?
Published March 2010
An article about the new PDS Plus contract from The Dentist magazine, March 2010
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February 2010
Raising a glass to MFG business club
Published February 2010
Law firm MFG Solicitors launched its new club for business clients – mfgb2b – with a reception at the Glasshouse in Worcester.
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mfg b2b puts Clients in Touch
Published February 2010
Midlands law firm MFG Solicitors is breaking new ground – launching a business club exclusively for clients.
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ARA Newsletter - Winter 2009/2010
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Tax Code Notice
Published February 2010
HMRC have refuted an allegation that difficulties with their new PAYE system have led to errors in a 'significant proportion' of tax code updates being incorrect. The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) claimed that 'wrong information is being sent out to huge numbers of people' and has called on HMRC to 'mount a publicity campaign to highlight' the alleged problem with new P2 notices.
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Expert on TOP form
Published February 2010
A Midlands financial expert is on TOP form – volunteering support for a tax charity for older people.
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Sorting Out Your Legal Affairs in 2010
Published February 2010
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to keep up-to-date with important legal matters, so the arrival of the New Year represents a good time to make some resolutions.
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Forming Contracts – The Battle of the Forms
Published February 2010
At the end of 2009, the Court of Appeal considered whether a seller’s or buyer’s contract terms apply – commonly known as the ‘battle of the forms’.
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Proposed Scrapping of the Compulsory Retirement Age
Published February 2010
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has promised to focus on reforming the retirement age in its pre-election campaign, putting extra pressure on all parties to include it in their manifestos.
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New Penalties for Breach of Data Protection Act
Published February 2010
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has announced new penalties for serious breaches of the Data Protection Act, due to come into force on 6th April 2010.
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Free Legal Clinic in Newport
Published February 2010
People in Newport are being given the opportunity of a free chat with a lawyer.
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January 2010
To Pursue Or Not To Pursue?
Published January 2010
The Pre-Action Conduct Protocol (“PDPAC”)
The PDPAC, which became effective from 6th April 2009, has incorporated new guidelines into the Civil Procedure Rules. They affect anyone who has a dispute with another over money or otherwise.
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New Guidelines Put Forward To Help Assess Mental Capacity
Published January 2010
Lawyers and doctors have been given a new set of guidelines to help their assessment of mental capacity.
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Government Caps The Number Of Family Legal Aid Cases
Published January 2010
A change in government policy is reportedly forcing Family legal aid lawyers to turn away people seeking legal advice.
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European Commission Threaten Legal Action On Failure To Protect Workers From Discrimination
Published January 2010
The European Commission has accused the Government of failing to incorporate aspects of European Directives into UK law, and has given a two-month deadline to put things right.
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Public In Favour Of New Laws To Challenge Uninsured Drivers
Published January 2010
Government plans to introduce a new offence of 'keeping a vehicle without insurance’ have proven popular with the motoring public.
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10 Ways to Save Tax
Published January 2010
Before we get to either the budget, or the end of the fiscal year when new higher rates of income tax and personal allowance withdrawal will bite its time to look at ways of reducing tax liabilities.
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Guaranteeing your Health and Welfare
Published January 2010
A loved-one’s enjoyment of their final years can depend on who has their true interests at heart, a Shropshire lawyer has warned.
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Family Lawyers in a Stew Over Chef’s Sleuthing Challenge
Published January 2010
Battling couples could be banned from turning private eye in bitter divorce cases if a landmark ruling bans snooping through your partner’s papers.
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Strong Arm of the Law Retires
Published January 2010
Midland lawyer Geoff Strong has retired after a lifetime in the profession.
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Where There’s A Will There’s A Major Charity Effort
Published January 2010
Clients of MFG Solicitors in Worcester have helped the firm to raise more than £2,200 for Will Aid, a charity that supports good causes worldwide.
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Excessive Use of a Right of Way
Published January 2010
Bee v. Thompson C/A [November 2009]
Owners of land, over which a neighbour had a right of way, brought proceedings against that neighbour to prevent development of land served by the right of way. The claimants put forward two arguments; firstly that the right of way was restricted to agricultural purposes only, and secondly, that the increased use of the land, from grazing to the site of three houses, exceeded what was reasonably tolerable and would amount to excessive use.
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When can a Grazing Agreement Become an AHA Protected Tenancy?
Published January 2010
For the majority the granting of a grazing licence would fall outside the scope of the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. This is because the 1986 Act applies to a ‘contract of tenancy’ of ‘agricultural land’. However, Agricultural Land includes land used for grazing and a contract of tenancy means a letting for a term of years or from year to year and it is worth considering whether a so-called grazing agreement granted before 1 September 1995 enjoys the protection of the 1986 Act.
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Anticipation of Trespass?
Published January 2010
The outcome may appear most sensible but it was for the Supreme Court to recently decide that an order for possession cannot be granted in respect of land yet to be occupied by a trespasser, reversing the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision. The thoughts being that such an order would require the “trespasser” to deliver up land he did not occupy to an owner who had not lost possession. (Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs v Meier).
