Blog

7 May

Buying and Selling Property during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The current restrictions on our freedom of movement during the Covid-19 pandemic mean that the process of moving to a new home has changed for the foreseeable future. The full government guidance on moving home during the pandemic can be found here. The government has imposed restrictions on how and when we may move from one property to another during the conveyancing process. There are also restrictions on how we may view a property, with many estate agents now offering prospective buyers a virtual viewing experience as an alternative, using video technology. However, the current restrictions do not mean that

28 Apr

COVID-19: Changes to Stamp Duty on Shares

In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has introduced emergency measures to help streamline the stamp duty process during this challenging time. The emergency measures apply to stamp duty, which is due on the paper transfer of shares or securities. The measures do not apply to Stamp Duty Land Tax, which is relevant when a property is bought or transferred, nor do the measures apply to Stamp Duty Reserve Tax, which is paid on the paperless purchase of shares, as these processes were digitalised some time ago. Until further notice, HMRC will only process

20 Apr

What is Furlough Leave (Updated)?

I thought that furlough was an American expression, describing a period of leave, typically of military personnel. I first heard of it in the 1970’s hit television series M*A*S*H. For those of you with even longer memories, in the 1949 movie musical, On The Town, the three sailors, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and the other one, were on 24 hour furlough in New York. The word was unknown in UK employment law, until the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on March 20th. What does it mean? As the name suggests, the scheme is designed to keep

1 Apr

Executing Wills in Isolation

Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 outbreak is leading many people to consider their Will (or in many cases, the lack thereof). There are several difficult issues to deal with when attempting to create a new Will while under isolation or social distancing conditions. Assessing Capacity A solicitor advising on a Will needs to be satisfied that the person making the Will – the testator – has sufficient mental capacity to do so. A Will made without capacity has no legal force. Under normal circumstances, the solicitor will make an assessment when meeting the client in person. If there is any doubt, they

1 Apr

Commercial Lease Rent Reductions: Issues to Consider

The current government measures intended to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus have caused major interruptions to thousands of businesses across the country, many of whom will have no choice but to seek an arrangement with their landlord to reduce or defer the rent payable for their business premises. There are several solutions or combinations which may be reached between the parties, which may include: A rent-free period A percentage reduction in the rent for a specific period A deferral of the rent payment date, with the unpaid rent caught up over a period of time, in addition to

1 Apr

What is Furlough Leave?

Until Friday, March 20th, I thought that furlough was an American expression, describing a period of leave, typically of military personnel. I first heard of it in the 1970’s hit television series M*A*S*H. For those of you with even longer memories, in the 1949 movie musical, On The Town, the three sailors, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly and the other one, were on 24 hour furlough in New York. The word was unknown in UK employment law, until Friday 20 March when the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. What does it mean? As the name suggests, the

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