News
Welcome to our news page. Here you will find out what we’re up to and what we think about recent events and future possibilities.
Devonshires appointed by Anchor
We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by Anchor to their new legal services panel.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for Building Owners: Consultation and Government Update
Following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s initial recommendations on Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, otherwise known as ‘PEEPs’, the Government ran a consultation on proposals for new legal requirements (to be imposed on owners and managers of multi-occupied high-rise residential buildings) to undertake PEEPs for residents in certain circumstances. The consultation also impacted on associated Government guidance on the issue.
Devonshires adds eight to its partnership
We are delighted to announce that we have promoted eight Solicitors to Partner, bringing our total Partner count to 51.
Changes to the Mental Capacity Act (“MCA”) Code of Practice and implementation of the Liberty Protection Safeguards (“LPS”)
The LPS regime will be the new authorisation process for the deprivation of liberty of those aged 16 or over where they lack the mental capacity to consent to their care arrangements. The LPS framework will replace what is currently known as ‘DoLs’.
Housing Ombudsman’s latest Spotlight Report: Landlords’ engagement with private freeholders and managing agents
On 22 March 2022 the Ombudsman published its latest spotlight report, examining landlords’ engagement with private freeholders and managing agents.
Government propose new far-reaching proposals to the Building Safety Bill
The amendments are significant and complex in places but ultimately seek to protect leaseholders from the impact of remediating fire-safety defects.
Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016: Date of implementation announced
Earlier this week, it was announced that implementation of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is set to take place on 15 July 2022.
Welsh Government: Co-operation Agreement, 2021
On Saturday 27 November 2021, during a virtual annual conference, Plaid Cymru approved the Co-operative Agreement between the party and Welsh Government.
Update to Practice Direction 55C – Possession Claims
Paragraph 1.1 of Practice Direction (PD) 55C confirms that the temporary modifications of PD 55C will end on 30 November 2021.
Housing Ombudsman’s latest Insight Report & Spotlight on Damp and Mould Report
On 23 November 2021 the Housing Ombudsman published its latest Insight report covering the period July to September 2021. The report shows an 83% increase in the volume of enquiries and complaints received compared to the same quarter in 2020.
Update: the end of the ‘overall arrangement for possession proceedings’
It has been recently announced that the “overall arrangements for possession proceedings” (such as review hearings, prioritisation of specific types of possession claims etc.) came to an end on 1 November 2021. The arrangements detailed how the court system would manage housing possession cases after the stay on such cases was lifted in September 2020.
Devonshires listed as a Times Best Law Firm for a second year!
The Times has published its list, now in its fourth year, of the top 200 legal practices in England and Wales. We first made this list in 2021 and are delighted to have retained our listing for 2022.
