Today's rundown:
Afghan resettlement scheme urgently needed
Probate fee changes
Afghan resettlement scheme urgently needed
The Guardian, Gazette, MSN, the Barrister, Yahoo News and others report pressure on the prime minister to urgently establish resettlement routes for Afghan refugees, particularly those with links to the UK, women and girls.
The Law Society of England and Wales, with the Bar Council and the Bar Human Rights Committee, called on the government to play a part in evacuating Afghans working in the justice system, particularly 250 female judges.
"We urge the UK government not to abandon these courageous defenders of the rule of law and – in liaison with its international allies – to offer evacuation and safety and asylum in the UK to those women judges, their families, and other members of the legal profession who are in serious danger."
Probate fee changes
Solicitors Journal and Today's Wills and Probate reports the Law Society's call to its members to respond to their survey on probate fee increases by 27 August.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We want to ensure that the changes won't affect the viability of firms doing probate work or act as a barrier to vulnerable people who need to use this service.
"This survey is a way for us to hear your views on the proposals, as well as other improvements probate solicitors would like to see in the probate service in England."
Meanwhile the Gazette reports trust corporations will be allowed to apply for grants of probate for the first time this week, as part of efforts to improve the probate service ahead of a proposed fee increase, noting the Law Society described the increase as "unjustifiable" given there are still "significant delays" to the service and that it is currently drafting a response to the government consultation, which closes on 23 September.
- Also worth a read:
- Afghanistan: Follow developments live – BBC
- Government to detail Afghan resettlement plans – BBC
- Hydrogen heating for homes on horizon – Guardian
- Support for tax year change grows – FT (£)