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Legislation Weekly Round-Up: What You Need to Know

In recent weeks, the legal industry has experienced numerous announcements, legislation changes, and updates as it adapts to the new norm. This week we are bringing you a round-up of all the latest legal news to keep you in the loop. From Industrial Disease to Wills & Probate we cover news from a comprehensive range of legal services.

Legislation Weekly Round-Up: What You Need to Know

The Legal Sector

The Government have recently announced plans to update current legislation in order to allow ‘digital identities and signatures’ to be used wherever possible. This is a significant movement as it applies to almost every legal sector, but particularly the Residential & Commercial Property and Wills & Probate sectors. The movement is estimated to simplify the legal process by adapting to a new way of working online. When the legislation is introduced, the date of which is yet to be confirmed, it should be done in such a way that is secure, safe, and transparent so that Clients have confidence in the system and knowledge of where their data is being used and what for. We await further decisions regarding the introduction of such legislation.

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/law-reform-to-move-identity-verification-online/5105460.article

The Wills & Probate Sector

In July 2020, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announced that Wills witnessed via video would be deemed legal in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, and remote working. The new law is applicable to any Will made after 31st January 2020. This new legislation will come into force in September 2020 and it is said to remain in place until 31st January 2022. This follows the Chancellors decision to make electronically signed deeds legal in the UK which came into force in March 2020.

https://www.todayswillsandprobate.co.uk/main-news/wills-and-probate-sector-law-changes-roundup-2019-2020/

The Residential Property Sector

In August 2020, residential properties in the UK experienced their highest monthly increase in price for over 16 years. House prices in the UK are currently at an all-time high due to pent up demand, a shift in buying behaviors, and the introduction of the Stamp Duty Holiday. In July 2020, the Chancellor announced a ‘Stamp Duty Holiday’ on the first £500,000.00 of all property purchases in England and Wales. The holiday is said to be in place until 31st March 2021.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53995878

The Commercial Property Sector

The UK Government have announced plans to extend the commercial property eviction ban which was originally due to end on 30th September. The extension will be introduced to provide additional support to businesses. Both Commercial Landlords and Tenants are currently facing exceptional challenges, however, they must both be provided with support to ensure that solutions can be distinguished for both parties to ensure that livelihoods are not at stake. It is yet to be announced whether the eviction ban will be extended and if so, to what date it will extend to. 

https://www.ft.com/content/1ee7a651-2ef2-43cd-80ef-9cefeb3bb28a

The Industrial Disease Sector

A significant movement has occurred within the field of Asbestos, whilst it is not related to legislation, the movement may have a significant affect on the scale of Industrial Disease Claims. This week it has been announced that the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) has made an app which rates the performance of asbestos removal operatives. The reason for the development of the app stemmed from concerns regarding the quality of Asbestos removal. This app will hopefully aim to improve the safety, knowledge, and behavior for all when it comes to Asbestos and the removal of this harmful material. We hope that safe removal of Asbestos will result in less people obtaining Asbestos-related diseases which can often be life threatening.

https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/asbestos-contractors-develop-app-for-rating-operatives

At Hodgkinsons Solicitors we have a Team of Lawyers who are experts in a comprehensive range of legal services including Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury and Family Law. Our Team can assist you with your legal enquiry whether you are located in Skegness, Boston, Louth, Lincoln, Grimsby, rural Lincolnshire, throughout the East Midlands and beyond. To speak with one of our specialist Lawyers regarding a legal matter, you can get in touch with us by calling 01754 897150 or by submitting a contact form to request a call or email back.