Editor, Solicitors Journal

HOUSING POSSESSIONS

7 Jan 2020News

The Legal Aid Agency has renewed its housing possession court duty scheme (HPCDS) contracts which were to expire on 20 August. They will now expire on 30 September 2021. Subject to further announcements, the current stay on housing possession claims ends on 31 August. A new practice direction (PD) sets out arrangements for reactivating possession claims subject to the stay which includes claims issued up to and including 2 August. The PD only applies for an interim period from 23 August until 28 March 2021. 23 July 2020

Legal News desk contact: editorial@solicitorsjournal.com

Latest Articles

SRA addresses issues in law firms' high-volume claims

The SRA's review reveals significant failures by law firms in their duty to clients in high-volume claims

Increase in lasting power of attorney fees

The Ministry of Justice is set to raise the application fee for lasting power of attorney to £92 starting from 17 November 2025 for better service delivery by the Office of the Public Guardian

Online Safety Act: balancing protection and free speech

The Online Safety Act imposes strict duties on providers to protect users, sparking debate over free speech and regulation

Sky UK Limited v Ofcom: Electronic communications services classification under regulatory scrutiny

Court of Appeal clarifies electronic communications service definitions in telecommunications regulation framework.

Small firm leverages AI for justice

Helix Law's innovative approach showcases how technology assists smaller practices in competing against industry giants

PRA climate consultation raises the stakes for law firms

The PRA’s latest climate consultation signals rising expectations for insurers, banks, and the law firms that advise them.

Who does a lawyer truly serve?

As regulation tightens and values shift, lawyers face growing tension between duty to clients and duty to society.

Birketts advises on sale of Bedford Heights

Birketts has successfully facilitated the off-market sale of Bedford Heights, enhancing Verve Group Limited's strategy for growth and transition through expert legal support

Court orders €105m repayment for fraud

RWK Goodman has achieved a significant judgement for a claimant in a fraud case involving PPE loans

Nitrate vulnerable zone appeal succeeds against DEFRA

First-tier Tribunal upholds landowner appeal challenging nitrate vulnerable zone designation under 2015 regulations.

High Court reinstates ex-footballers' pension claims after striking out

Ex-footballers secure relief from sanctions in pension mismanagement litigation.

Exploring The Data (Use and Access) Act

The DUA 2025 reforms UK data law, reshaping compliance for organisations while promising simpler rules and stronger enforcement powers

Epping Forest District Council v Somani Hotels: planning permission and asylum accommodation

High Court considers whether hotel use for asylum seekers requires planning permission under material change provisions.

Compulsory purchase compensation principles clarified in Quyoom vehicle dismantling case

Upper Tribunal establishes key precedent on business valuation following compulsory acquisition

Law firms must prepare for private equity

The legal sector is witnessing increased interest from private equity firms seeking to consolidate and expand

SJ Interview: James Palmer CBE

James Palmer CBE, Partner of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most influential corporate lawyers and policy voices. Awarded a CBE in 2025 for his services to business and law, he has combined a high-profile career in M&A with decades of work on legal reform. In this interview, he discusses the challenges of legislative inflation and corporate advice, access to justice, and the future role of technology.

The SQE is failing its own test

Five years on, the SQE is underperforming, and targeted reforms could close persistent gaps.