Get In Touch

Expert Comments

Opinion
  • drug-offences

The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 – doomed to fail?

The controversial Psychoactive Substances Act received royal assent on 28 January 2016 and came into force on 26 May 2016. The Act, broadly speaking, criminalises the production and supply of...

June 8, 2016
Blog

£600 million to be spent on temporary accommodation by councils – this can’t be right?

It is not disputed that there has been a rise in homeless persons and families in recent years. A recent Freedom of Information Act request has showed that in the...

June 7, 2016
Opinion

As the poor state of our mental health services continues to make headlines, will promised new measures really make a difference?

In May we saw yet more headlines about how our mental health services are failing, with the BBC reporting that a review by the Children’s Commissioner has found that more...

June 6, 2016
Opinion

The myth of safe white asbestos

Reading this article got me thinking about the ongoing threat posed to members of the public by irresponsible and unlicensed asbestos removal and disposal. It seems fly-tipping of asbestos is...

June 6, 2016
Blog

Preventing child abduction

When a marriage or relationship breaks down and there are children involved, sometimes one of the issues a parent faces is the fear that their child may be taken abroad...

June 3, 2016
Opinion

Policing and Crime Bill – Proposals to give new powers to police volunteers and reform pre-charge bail raise civil liberties concerns

The Government’s Policing and Crime Bill, scheduled for its third reading in Parliament later this month, proposes a raft of measures aimed at “finishing the job of police reform”. Among…

June 3, 2016
Opinion

How to get a Council House: is it easier if you’re non-British?

Channel 4’s programme ‘How to get a Council House’ is as popular as ever and is now in its fourth series. It well documents the ever-growing tension between the tangible…

June 2, 2016
Opinion

Housing disrepair claims not suitable for virtual courts

You may or may not have heard about the new Online Court proposals, intended to bring the UK justice system up to date and make use of the wonders that...

June 2, 2016
Opinion

Health Trust commissions independent review of homicides involving service users

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which admitted failings in the provision of care to recently convicted Matthew Daley (a 35 year old with known mental health problems who stabbed retired…

May 31, 2016
Opinion

New mayor – new promises, real change?

Sadiq Khan, our new mayor for the City of London was elected on 5 May 2016. Sadiq, the Labour candidate, beat Zac Goldsmith for the Conservatives who came second. After…

May 31, 2016
Opinion

Fact: White asbestos kills

The International Agency for Research on Cancer categorises asbestos as a Group 1 Carcinogen, meaning that it is definitely carcinogenic to humans. All types of asbestos cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is...

May 27, 2016
Opinion

Motor insurance – are you sure you’re covered?

Motor insurance can be a headache for fleet managers, particularly when it comes to renewal. Specialist commercial fleet insurance is the most obvious cover. But what’s the situation for personnel…

May 27, 2016
Blog

Deputies – Do you require the Court’s approval to make a gift?

You may be a deputy or attorney who is managing money on behalf of a person who lacks mental capacity but has more money than they need. In these circumstances,...

May 26, 2016
Opinion

As our justice system becomes increasingly out of reach for all but the wealthiest, the Bach Commission asks what needs to change to improve access to justice?

The current lack of access to justice in the UK is alarming. Polling of adults in England and Wales by Citizens’ Advice shows that only 39% believe the justice system…

May 25, 2016
Opinion

Helping Hospices

This year more than 400 gardens across England and Wales will be open during the NGS Festival Garden Weekend from 4 to 5 June 2016.

May 25, 2016
Blog

Family care payments and deputies

It is becoming more and more common for family members to provide informal care for those who lack mental capacity. This can be anything from cooking meals, washing, hoisting and...

May 24, 2016
Opinion

Insurers save at the expense of victims

The scheme was set up in 2014 to compensate those suffering from mesothelioma who were negligently exposed to asbestos at work but could not trace their ex-employers or their insurers...

May 23, 2016
Opinion

24 Hours in A&E puts dealing with diminished mental capacity in the ‘spotlight’

This week’s episode of 24 hours in A & E gave us a perfect illustration of how the Mental Capacity Act should work in practice. Barrie was a 78 year...

May 23, 2016
Blog

Client's day out at court – have no fear!

Solicitor to Client: “I’m afraid the Defendant does not wish to make any offers of settlement and intends to proceed to trial on your case.” Client to Solicitor: “I thought...

May 23, 2016
Opinion

Still no room at the inn

The issue of homelessness, particularly in our capital, is becoming a serious issue of concern. It is not unusual to see forlorn figures huddled on park benches craving for warmth...

May 23, 2016
BACK TO THE TOP