by Peter Pownall
25 April 2024
Important changes to planning enforcement timescales
An important change has taken place from today under the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act 2023 for anyone extending or planning to extend their property in England. Until today if an extension was built on a property that required planning permission and planning permission was not obtained, after four years the planning authority would not be […]
by Charles Millett
28 March 2024
Major increases in minimum wages rates
From Monday 1st April 2024, the National Living Wage that will apply to all employees aged 21 and over will go up to £11.44 per hour. This is an increase of nearly 10% from the previous National Living Wage. Another key change is that this will now apply to workers aged 21 and over rather than […]
27 March 2024
Morecrofts jumps to increase support for inclusive netball club
Breaking new ground in community sports sponsorship, Morecrofts Solicitors has committed to inclusivity in sports by equipping a netball club with innovative new kits and equipment, introducing a game-changing option for players to choose shorts over the traditional netball dress. The firm has supported the eponymous Morecrofts Netball Club for the past six years, helping […]
by Andrew Perrigo
22 March 2024
Postcode Lottery for Children in Need
An insight on the Children on Child in Need report from Partner, Andrew Perrigo. A report from the Children’s Commissioner delivered this month (Children on child in need plans March 2024) points to a regional approach to the services being offered to the most vulnerable children in the county. The Children Act 1898 imposes a duty […]
by Andrew Perrigo
18 March 2024
Social workers are knocking at my door – what should I do?
There are lots of reasons for a social worker knocking on your door to talk to you about your children. Very often it’s to check the children are safe. Sometimes it’s response to a referral from school, the police or health services. The outcome to these visits can be dependent on the seriousness of the […]
by Charles Millett
22 February 2024
Official menopause guidance issued to employers
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued guidance to employers in order to clarify their legal obligations towards their workers who are going through the menopause. Consideration was given at parliamentary level last year as to whether the menopause should be given a special status under employment law, such as automatically qualifying as […]
by Lucie Milton
6 February 2024
The expansion of the ‘Reporting Pilot’ in the Family Courts
There has been a longstanding concern that family courts are the ‘secret courts’ and decisions made within them are hidden from view. This confusion arises as family court proceedings are private to ensure there is no unnecessary intrusion into your family’s life – especially when there are children involved. In response to the criticisms and […]
by Megan Williams
2 February 2024
Mediation will no longer be compulsory for separating couples
It’s been reported that compulsory mediation will be ruled out for separating couples, a contributing factor being the current flaws in the system, including the protection of domestic abuse victims. The focus of the Family Mediation Council will now turn to training mediators on abuse signs and recognising victims. The Law Society Vice President commented […]
