Grieving Families Are Calling For Pre-Paid Funerals To Be Regulated
The Government is considering new rules to police the funeral industry after ‘ITV News Show UK’ revealed that consumers are spending billions of pounds for funerals before they pass away. In an ITV Tonight programme (which was broadcast last Thursday) bereaved relatives are calling for new regulation in this booming industry. New figures obtained by […]
Regulators Meeting Offers Mixed Feelings Towards December’s Price Transparency Deadline
Despite the December deadline of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recommendations into price transparency rapidly approaching, many regulators are still uncertain as to how they will implement the changes. The SRA came to the Remedies Programme Implementation Group buoyant with their unpublished findings that small businesses are less price sensitive than was initially reported. […]
The Charity Commission suspends independent school charity trustees
The bank accounts of two independent school charities have been frozen by The Charity Commission, a charity regulator for England and Wales. The commission has opened a class statutory inquiry on The Martin Foundation (registered charity number 1110184) and The Collegiate Charitable Foundation (registered charity number 1012924). The charities have been examined by the regulator […]
SRA Risk Outlook 2018 and what it means for you: explained!
You may have seen our recent article about the two new key areas of concern raised by the SRA in their recently published Risk Outlook; Managing claims, and Cyber security. Along with a whole host of other observations and steers from the SRA within the Risk Outlook, it’s often difficult for busy practitioners to find […]
40% of legal professionals reluctant to discuss charitable giving with clients
The Law society held a roundtable discussion on legacy giving which found 40% of solicitors did not feel able to raise the issue of charitable giving with their clients, according to 2016 research by Remember a Charity (RAC). Legacy income is the biggest single source of voluntary income to the charities sector, currently worth more […]
The SRA Risk Outlook 2018/19
Today the SRA have released their Risk Outlook 2018/19. They have included two new priority risks this year: 1. Managing claims ‘We are increasingly concerned about the practises of some firms that offer personal injury work, including holiday sickness claims. Similarly, some firms bringing payment protection insurance claims may not always be meeting the high standards […]
Government urged to kick-start next great pensions revolution
Collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes could signal a new era for the welfare state, and “transform the UK private pensions landscape” according to the Work and Pensions Committee’s latest report. The findings come following a ground-breaking agreement between Royal Mail and the Communication Workers Union earlier this year. This deal saw the two parties agree […]
The reduction of legacies due to substantial lifetime gifts
The rule against double portions can apply when a donor leaves one of his children a portion of his estate under his Will then during his lifetime makes the same child a substantial gift.
Advice to protect consumers following pension cold call ban delay
Last month, the Government announced that the pension cold calling ban would be delayed until later this year.
Government launches investigation into treatment of consumers in funeral planning
The Government have recently launched a Call for Evidence into the pre-paid funeral plan market, following concerns over unfair customer treatment. The aim of the investigation is to advise the Government on what is appropriate to include in the new model to improve transparency and have a better understanding of services – to help consumers […]
Introduction of powers enabling missing people’s families to manage affairs delayed
The Government’s delay to enable the families of missing people to manage their affairs has meant many have been left to face rising debts.
Trust registration guidance updated
Updates have been made to Government guidance on registering trusts this month.
Modernisation of Wills Law confirmed as law commission project of reform
The Law Commission has this week issued an update on its latest programme of reform.
Welsh government pushes for separate Wales jurisdiction
The Welsh Government has stated that dedicated Welsh courts and judges with expertise in the law of Wales are required in order to form a separate jurisdiction from England.
Bill requiring palliative care to be provided to those with terminal illnesses scheduled for second reading
A Bill to require the provision of comprehensive palliative care to those with terminal illnesses has been scheduled for its second reading in the House of Commons.
Feedback sought on Inheritance Tax as Call for Evidence and Survey released
The Office of Tax Simplification has released a call for evidence and online survey to gather views on Inheritance Tax.
Law Society releases guidance on GDPR
The Law Society has released a guide for law firms on the soon to be implemented General Data Protection Regulation.
Provider calls for stronger regulation in the funeral planning sector
A funeral services provider has called for stronger regulation in the funeral planning sector.
Regulator to pursue plans to open ‘safe spaces’ for innovative firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has stated that its going forward with plans to create a ‘safe space’ for law firms wishing to innovate.
Savings limit for Welsh residential care rises
People in Wales will now be able to retain up to £40,000 of their savings before having to pay for their care home.
