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 recognised for environmental sustainability
We are delighted to once again be recognised by the Clean City Awards Scheme (CCAS)!
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.
Building Safety Bill – The removal of the Building Safety Manager
Our recent article reported that there were rumours of the removal of the Building Safety Manager (“BSM”) role and the Building Safety Charge (“BSC”) from the draft Building Safety Bill (“BSB”). These rumours now appear to be substantiated by proposed amendments published by the Government.
Local Government Pension Scheme Valuation
31 March 2022 marked the end of the latest triennial cycle and the valuation date in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
The Pension Schemes Act 2021: the new criminal offences, financial penalties and regulatory sanctions
The Pension Schemes Act 2021 (PSA) received Royal Assent on 11 February 2021 and introduces new criminal offences, financial penalties and regulatory sanctions to strengthen the funding and security of defined benefit (DB) schemes.
New Guidance for Adult Social Care Settings: What Employers Need to Know
On 31 March 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care published the much awaited new guidance on infection and control resource for adult social care. This includes the Government’s updated guidance on vaccinations and testing. The key changes in the new guidance are set out below.
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.
The Government asks developers to pledge they will remediate defective buildings or risk being stopped from developing
The Government has now revealed how it intends to use the proposed amendments to the Building Safety Bill to force the hands of those who have “played a role” in the development of buildings over 11 metres tall with “life-critical” fire safety defects that require remediation. The Government has threatened to prohibit planning permission and Building Control sign-off for developers who do not voluntarily comply with commitments to fund and carry out or fund the necessary remedial works.
Devonshires receive Highly Commended accolade at the LexisNexis Legal awards 2022
Yesterday, the awards ceremony for the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2022 took place, during which we received the Highly Commended accolade.
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’.
Social Housing (Regulation) Bill
The sample draft clauses and explanatory notes on the future of social housing regulation (the draft legislation) published on 29 March 2022 fulfil the Government’s promise to publish an update in March and provide the sector with long-awaited insight into the legislative changes proposed.
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.
