20 Apr, 2018 | Silks
Congratulations to the talented artist at Christchurch School, West Midlands, who shared her beautiful Easter with us on Facebook. She wins a group ticket for herself and her family to enjoy at Cadbury World. We hope that you all have a wonderful day! read more
5 Apr, 2018 | Employment
The manner in which termination payments are to be treated for tax and NI contributions have been under scrutiny. The rules are changing for any termination payments after the 6th April 2018. There will be further changes in April 2019. There will now be significant... read more
5 Apr, 2018 | Employment
The Government has closed the Fit for Work assessment service, with effect from 31st March 2018 due to low referral rates. Employers, employees and GPs can continue to use the Fit for Work helpline and also the website for workplace health advice and support on... read more
5 Apr, 2018 | Business, Commercial, Employment
Have you noticed an increase in the emails and letters that you are receiving from your bank, insurers, lenders and a whole host of others? The reason is that any organisation that is holding data relating to you must comply with the new regulation, GDPR, which will... read more
5 Apr, 2018 | Employment
Employers will shortly be feeling the effects of not only greater pension contributions for their employees but also the requirement to pay the higher National Living Wage from 6th April. Over 25s are entitled to £7.83 per hour, 21-24s to £5.90, 18-20s to £4.20 and... read more
5 Apr, 2018 | Employment
The minimum Auto Enrolment Contributions are being increased from 6th April 2018. Until now the minimum levels of contribution have been 1% from the employer and 1% from the employee. From the 6th April, the levels of contribution will increase to 2% from the employer... read more
8 Feb, 2018 | Lasting Powers of Attorney
A message from the Office of Public Guardian A scheme has now been launched to refund those who may have paid more than they should for applying to register powers of attorney. If you applied to register a lasting or enduring power of attorney with the Office of the... read more
7 Dec, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate, Wills
In the Times this Saturday, Janice Turner wrote that “Life would be better if we faced up to death”. She admitted how easy it is to avoid such conversations until it is too late as it seems such a “ghastly” subject to raise. At Silks we understand how hard it is to... read more
16 Nov, 2017 | Employment
In July 2013 the government introduced a fee payment scheme in the Employment Tribunals. Since that time payments have been made by the majority of claimants and, in some cases, by respondents. Earlier this year the Supreme Court decided that such scheme was unlawful.... read more
25 Sep, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Solicitor, Elisabeth Whybrow, issues warning following FCA’s call to turn lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) fully digital Proposals would remove the need for a physical ‘wet signature’ Solicitors say this could lead to a drastic increase in cases of financial abuse... read more
2 Aug, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney
Ian Leonard and his sister were appointed attorneys under an LPA by their 90-year-old mother, who was suffering with dementia. In 2012 Ada Leonard went into a care home as a self-funder. Leonard persuaded his sister, Jennifer, to sell the family home and buy an... read more
28 Jul, 2017 | Employment
On 27th July 2017 the Supreme Court ruled against the government in relation to the fee regime in the Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeals Tribunal. Following the decision the government quickly announced the abolition of the collection of fees in both the ET... read more
26 Jul, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is a government department and, as such, cannot make a profit for its services. Since the introduction of Lasting Powers of Attorney in 2007, the OPG has gradually reduced its registration fee (from £150 to £130, then £120, then... read more
12 Jun, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney
A worrying trend is being addressed this week on Thursday 15th. WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY aims to raise awareness by highlighting the abuse suffered by so many of our elderly. Abuse is inflicted, not only physically, but emotionally and financially. Sexual... read more
30 May, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate, Wills
It seems that there remains uncertainty as to where the future of care costs lies and how these fees are to be funded, even if the country votes back the Conservatives in the General Election on 8 June. Ten days ago, the Conservative Manifesto announced that, if... read more
14 May, 2017 | Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills
You may see national and local media coverage and fundraising events in support of this week which has been earmarked nationally to focus on Dementia and encourage people to talk about their fears and problems. It is set to be the biggest killer of the 21st Century!... read more
2 May, 2017 | Uncategorized
Next week you may notice various events going on under the banner Dying Matters. What is this all about? Dying Matters a nationwide initiative to raise the awareness of the general public to this very important life event that so many of us face unprepared. It aims to... read more
24 Apr, 2017 | Probate, Uncategorized, Wills
Last month Silks posted an article announcing the Government proposals to increase Probate court fees to a minimum of £300 up to a maximum of £20,000, despite fierce opposition from those at the coal face of Probate Applications – from professionals to members of the... read more
