Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter. The clocks have now gone forward, the nights are drawing out and Easter is just around the corner, a long weekend and only chocolate to buy!
Our estate agent contacts are reporting that far from there being a lack of interested buyers they are finding themselves inundated with new applicants but low on stock as owners are nervous at placing their homes on the market. Those that do and price them realistically are finding that there are buyers out there wanting to move.
Whilst it is no longer as straightforward as it once was to obtain mortgage finance new products are being launched all the time and especially in the residential sector competitively pitched products are beginning to emerge. For those who already have a mortgage, the article below offers tips on managing it efficiently.
Few drivers will embrace the recent proposal documented in a Department for Transport consultation paper which would allow the police to levy ‘on the spot’ penalties on drivers. Clear cut penalties such as driving whilst using a mobile phone can currently be dispensed without the need for a court appearance but under the new proposals drivers could be given a three-point penalty based solely on the say-so of a police officer, even when the offence is not clear cut. Effectively this means a driver could be banned based on evidence that might not be sustainable if the alleged offence were brought to trial. Drivers are well advised to keep an eye on the development of these proposals and we will of course document any progress on our website.
Significant changes loom in the area of Employment Law. 1 April 2009 sees holiday entitlement increased to 28 days per year pro rata and 5 April marks an increase in Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay. Come 6 April, statutory dispute resolution procedures are replaced by a revised voluntary ACAS Code of Practice to help resolve issues earlier and informally. Also on 6 April, the right to request flexible working extends to employees with parental responsibility for children up to age 16; Statutory Sick Pay rises; employers underpaying workers will face new penalties in accordance with the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage; and in Trade Union Membership Law, unions will have the right to exclude members who belong to political parties like the BNP. If you need help re-drawing policies and implementing changes to stay in line with your obligations under the new legislation then contact us.
March has been a busy month with a lot more activity in all sectors, including, both business and conveyancing. Whilst we do not think that you should all get excited that these are the first green shoots of recovery, we should take stock and recognise that there is much that can be done now whilst we are in the grips of a very nasty recession to make our businesses stronger and more efficient when we do (and we will) emerge from this downturn. For help and assistance with your business contact us.
March appears to be the month for trade fairs. Our commercial departments have this month attended trade fairs organised by both Barclays and by Lloyds TSB. For more information click here
Our newly launched debt recovery service, which was announced in last month’s newsletter has received an extremely positive reaction from both our business clients and professional contacts and is keeping James Harvey very busy indeed. Not only do we take steps to recover your debts but we also look proactively at how we can help you to minimise your exposure to mounting bad debts by analysing and updating your terms and conditions.
Don’t forget that our website contains many useful articles in our Latest Legal News Section including this month articles on Boosting your State Pension; Employers Duties to deal with Stress in the Workplace; Exercising Option Agreements and Wills – Mutual Promises.
And finally...we are very pleased to announce that as from 1st April Beth Woodward, Jane Joseph and Stewart Matthews have all been promoted to the position of Senior Associate. Beth works in our Family department and Stewart works in our Commercial department, both are based at our Milton Keynes office. Jane works in our Property department and is based at our Harpenden office.
STOP PRESS!!.......
The threshold over which Inheritance Tax becomes payable increases to £325,000 per individual from 6th April. Where a surviving spouse or civil partner dies after 6th April the threshold, depending on circumstances, could be as much as £650,000. If you would like to review matters contact paul.ashby@neves-solicitors.co.uk | 
