Today's rundown:
46% of Britons don't understand the legal aid system
Australia trade deal
Tax bills 2022
Rising service charges for leaseholders
46% of Britons don't understand the legal aid system
Australasian Lawyer reports that a survey by Bolt Burdon Kemp found that 46% of UK residents do not understand the legal aid system or how to get legal assistance.
It also cites our call that criminal legal aid firms must be given greater assistance from the UK government, in order to avoid widespread market collapse.
Australia trade deal
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce is quoted in a This is Money article on the Australia trade deal saying the agreement is a "step in the right direction". The article also quotes trade secretary Liz Truss hailing the deal and saying she wants UK lawyers to be able to practise in Australia without having to undertake requalification.
Startup Overseas, Wired Gov and Business News Wales also pick up the story.
Tax bills 2022
According to the Gazette, the UK government's proposals – which are open for consultation until the end of this month – to fix the date on which partnerships and certain other types of businesses report their profits will result in extra tax liabilities for many law firms next year.
Read our call for members' views on our consultation response
Rising service charges for leaseholders
Dona Awano, member of our conveyancing and land law committee advises a Daily Mail reader facing a 10% rise in the annual service charge for their lease. On the 'right to manage' for leaseholders, she said: "No fault needs to be proved prior to exercising the right, but the landlord still remains the freeholder of the building – they would just no longer have the right to maintain the building or to demand and collect service charges."
Also worth a read:
- Afghanistan: Follow developments live – Guardian
- PM says no-one wants Afghanistan to become a "breeding ground for terror" – BBC
- Covid-19: Double jabbed in England no longer need to isolate – Evening Standard
- Cat saves the day for 83-year old owner trapped in ravine – Independent