The amount of money owed to small businesses has halved in the last five years, according to government ministers – but business leaders say the UK is still gripped by a poor payments crisis. The figures were released as the government appointed Paul Uppal to the newly created position of Small Business Commissioner. His role
A couple who bought a home in the country to enjoy a quiet life have succeeded in preventing a landowner building houses that would spoil their view. The issue arose after the couple bought the home in a large area of open countryside. The landowner who sold the property to them retained the adjoining land
The High Court has criticised HMRC for its inadequate evidence against a company it claimed had not paid enough tax. The issue arose after HMRC had brought a winding up petition against Southbourne Trading Co Ltd in 2016 for alleged underpayment of tax and VAT liabilities. The company challenged the figures and the claim was
Two sisters who were cut out of their mother’s will after making allegations that they were sexually abused by their father have failed in their claim to inherit some of her estate. The mother and her late husband had 11 children. The two sisters and their brother became estranged from the rest of the family
A woman who was estranged from her father has been awarded £30,000 from his estate even though he disinherited his children in his will. The court heard that Stanley Nahajec had left all his £265,000 estate to a friend. His three children got nothing. Elena Nahajec, the only child from Mr Nahajec’s second marriage, made
The landlord of a flat containing asbestos was not responsible for the death of a tenant who suffered from malignant mesothelioma. That was the decision of the High Court in a case involving the family of the tenant and Hammersmith Council. A claim for damages had been brought by the tenant’s widow. She believed her
An international company has failed to get a court order to prevent one of its franchisees setting up a rival business. The case involved an Australian gym and fitness firm that opened centres in the UK on a franchise basis. It entered into an agreement with a franchisee on its standard terms and conditions. The
A landlord has won its appeal over the validity of service charges even though it was late in giving notice. The court held that it was enforceable because the tenant had “waived the invalidity”. The case involved Southwark Council and one of its tenants. At the beginning of each financial year the landlord had to
A woman who was estranged from her father has been awarded £30,000 from his estate even though he disinherited his children in his will. The court heard that Stanley Nahajec had left all his £265,000 estate to a friend. His three children got nothing. Elena Nahajec, the only child from Mr Nahajec’s second marriage, made
A homeowner has won the right to walk over her neighbour’s land to inspect her gas and electricity meters and maintain her property. The case involved two detached houses separated by a driveway. The meters for 96 were set into the wall that was built along the boundary with 98. The driveway ran beside the