Alerts
Alerts archive 2008

Corporate manslaughter

Local authorities will be more vulnerable to prosecution where their actions or omissions cause a death, under new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act, which comes into force on 6 April 2008.

Local government update

At Wragge & Co we aim to add value through our experience and expertise to help you find solutions that suit your organisation. The following stories focus on some of the legal issues facing local government.

Unitary status - staffing

Now that parliamentary approval has been granted for new unitary authorities, the complex task of getting the new councils up and running is under way. With the new authorities taking on the reigns of power from April 2009, the timetable is tight.

Freedom of information

It has been a challenging year in the world of freedom of information, with failed attempts to exempt MPs from its ambit and revise the fees regulations. The Act is here to stay and it looks like it is about to dig even deeper.

Is harassment the new workplace stress claim?

An individual claiming to have suffered personal injury as a result of workplace harassment has various potential claims against their employer - breach of contract, personal injury, discrimination and a claim under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Implementing the 2007 Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act

The importance of establishing and maintaining good governance at a local level is highlighted in 'The Governance of Britain' green paper and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.

Property update - March 2008

Wragge & Co's real estate experts bring you the latest property law issues. Read their comment on these issues and take note of any action points that will help you and your organisation.

New regulations for construction and design professionals

The new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 have been introduced to raise the level of professional competence and accountability in public sector contracts.

All Change! The new-look LGPS

Despite Communities and Local Government's promises to have regulations a year in advance, the final form administration, benefit and transitional regulations were very late in coming.

Snooper's charter and privilege

Did you know the public can access your court documents including those lodged in judicial review proceedings or the Employment Tribunal?

Professional appointments

Local authority lawyers can have a bewildering variety of forms of professional appointments pass over their desks. How can they judge the comparative strength of appointments when they can differ so much in terms of structure, origin, length and drafting?

Money laundering: new and wide-ranging registration obligations

From 1 April 2008, extensive new registration obligations will be introduced by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. These apply to Money Service Businesses, High Value Dealers, Trust or Company Service Providers and Accountancy Service Providers.

Employers ceasing to participate in an underfunded multi-employer DB scheme: new employer debt requirements

On 6 April 2008 new regulations published by the Department for Work and Pensions on employer debt come into force. Wragge & Co's expert analysis explains all.

Recycle, recycle, recycle

On 6th April 2008 the Site Waste Management Plans Regulations come into force. What does this mean for you?

How to execute a document after 6 April 2008

Further sections of the Companies Act 2006 come into force on 6 April 2008, permitting the execution of a document by the signature of just one director. Read our expert advice and analysis.

Are you ready for 6 April?

Don't blame the forum shoppers, blame the European Patent litigation system

In the context of pan-European patent litigation relating to BlackBerry mobile devices, the Court of Appeal has provided some useful guidance.

Legislative changes affecting development and refurbishment projects

April sees legisltive changes affecting development and refurbishment projects. Get all the information from Wragge & Co's legal experts.

Banking Update: report and review on recent cases

Wragge & Co's banking and finance experts bring you the latest on the cases and issues affecting the lending industry.

Energy Performance Certificates - transitional provisions published

Weeks before Energy Performance Certficates become compulsory, the Government has published regulations containing transitional provisions.

Norris avoids US extradition - but for how long?

The House of Lords has today confirmed that Ian Norris, former chief executive of Morgan Crucible, will not be extradited to the US on the charge of price-fixing.

IP update

Three intellectual property alerts and analyses from Wragge & Co's Intellectual Property team.

The Budget 2008

So was this the 'Green Budget' or the Budget of 'resilience' - Alistair Darling's version of 'prudence'? No doubt the media will be the judge.

Tax credits - deadline fast approaching

Following changes to the Finance Act 2006, all companies are required to finalise their Research & Development (R&D) tax credit claims by 31 March 2008, for the periods 1 April 2002 - 31 March 2006.

Pensions Regulator issues guidance on conflict of interests

The Pensions Regulator has published draft guidance on conflicts of interest.

Reputation, reputation, reputation

If the latest proposals by the Sentencing Advisory Panel are adopted as currently seems likely, organisations convicted of corporate manslaughter after 6 April 2008 could face a potential PR disaster.

LGPS: governance compliance statements - deadline changed to 1 June 2008

Consumer Protection Regulations: Are they fair trade?