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The Government says it’s ahead of schedule in identifying publicly owned land that can be used to build new homes. Housing Minister Grant Shapps recently announced that he wants local authorities and Government departments to release enough land for 100,000 homes by 2015. He said the Government had already found enough land for 80,000 homes
The Health and Safety Executive has revised its guidance for employers with staff who work from home. The new guidance relaxes some of the regulatory requirements and recognises that a lot of work carried out at home is going to be “low-risk, office-type work”. In these circumstances, as an employer, you are only responsible for
Home-buyers who turn to the “bank of mum and dad” and increasingly the bank of grandparents to buy their home to prepare for the all eventualities, as generous family members tighten their belts. Many people have no choice but to turn to parents or other family members to help raise a deposit for a house
With the stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers buying properties under £250,000 due to end on March 24, there could be a rush to buy amongst first time buyers. With lending from the major banks still cautious, first time buyers will inevitably turn to other sources, such as family members, for help to beat the
The Government has joined forces with private enterprise to encourage budding entrepreneurs to set up new businesses. The ‘Business in You’ campaign highlights the support available for people wishing to start a new business or develop an existing one. A statement from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills says: “Small businesses are the lifeblood
Court orders to evict tenants rose by 11% in 2011 as landlords took a firmer stance against late payers. Figures released by the specialist receivers, Templeton LPA, also show that the number of tenants in “severe arrears” of more than two months rose by 18% last year to 78,970. That’s the highest level since the
Businesses can suffer irreparable damage when directors disagree over company policy. This is particularly true for new or small businesses. For example, if two directors have equal shares in a joint venture, settling disputes can become very difficult. At that point, just like many married couples, both sides may wish they had a business ‘pre-nup’
A sales manager has been found liable for breaches of contract and duty to his employer after setting up a rival business. The manager was working for an information technology consultancy when he decided to set up a new company of his own. While preparing his new venture, he downloaded some of his employer’s business
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to “kill off the health and safety culture” which he says has become “an albatross around the neck of British businesses”. He says he wants to address “the fear from businesses of being sued for trivial or excessive claims”. The Government is now planning to change the law on
A court has ruled that a commercial tenant’s break clause notice was invalid because it had not paid the interest that had accrued as a result of late payments. The fact that the landlord had not sent a demand for payment made no difference. The case involved a tenant that had taken out a ten-year