Lexcel Review
AWB had its Lexcel annual maintenance visit in May 2011. We passed and our accreditation will be continued.

We continue to meet the requirements of the Law Society’s Practice Management standards.
The Assessor reported that:
• The Practice had undergone a period of consolidation following the establishment of the Civil Litigation Department;
• The standard of compliance was very high and AWB has successfully incorporated aspects of good practice to maintain continuous improvement across all departments;
• The Practice continues to benefit from a well established and highly motivated staff;
• Supervision and risk arrangements had been reviewed and strengthened;
• All policies are comprehensively documented and conform to Lexcel requirements;
• Robust arrangements are in place for all aspects of financial management;
• Clients surveys show positive responses from highly satisfied clients;
• New clients continue to be attracted to the Practice;

The Lexcel accreditation was first awarded to AWB in May 2009 and we are pleased to continue with the Law Society management kite mark.

Charity Running!
Litigation Partner April Chamberlain took part in the Big K 10K race on Mothering Sunday in Keighley and raised over £170.00 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Her finishing time was 53 minutes and she was well supported by the staff and partners at AWB.

April has also entered for the Freckleton Half Marathon on Fathers Day on 19th June 2011 and will again be fundraising for the Manorlands Hospice. She says her training is on course to do the step up from 10K to the half marathon

April represents AWB on the Manorlands Challenge Committee.

50% Income Tax payable if your income is over £1,000!!!
Surprising news but it will apply if the taxpayer is a discretionary trust.
For many trusts this can be prevented by a temporary reorganisation of the trust.
Please contact Roger Armstrong or Liam O’Neill for further details.

Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme
We have submitted our application for the Conveyancing Quality Scheme for the Law Society unique kite-mark for residential conveyancing.

This new quality standard is to increase consumer awareness about the importance of using a qualified conveyancer and to provide reassurance about integrity and practice standards.  It is a kite-mark fully supported by mortgage lenders.

Litigation Department
April Chamberlain and David Tear continue to develop our Litigation Department covering Court proceedings, dispute resolution, commercial contracts, debt recovery and insolvency matters.  This widens the scope of our services to existing clients and provides a good service to new clients with Litigation and disputes

Client Feedback
If we have recently acted for you we would be pleased to hear your views on our client care and professional services. You can download a survey form from our 'Contact Us' page.

Stamp Duty Land Tax
Until March 2012 there is a first time buyer’s Stamp Duty exemption on properties up to £250,000.

SDLT rates on purchase transactions are as follows:
Transactions over £125,000.00 up to £250,000.00 at the rate of 1%
Transactions over £250,000.00 up to £500,000.00 at the rate of 3%
Transactions over £500,000.00 at the rate of 4%
Residential transactions over £1m are at the rate of 5%.

Energy Performance Certificate
An EPC has to be produced within 28 days of the marketing of residential property.  Contact AWB for an EPC to be arranged.

Lasting Powers of Attorney
We are able to advise on the need for Lasting Powers of Attorney and prepare the documents for property and financial affairs and for health and welfare.  Such Powers have to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be brought into effect.

Collaborative Law
A new approach to divorce property and financial provision settlement.

Inheritance Tax
Budget the nil-rate band remains at £325,000 until 2015.
Allowances are now transferable between Spouses and Civil Partners

Commercial Property
Energy Performance Certificates are required for the construction, sale or rent of buildings .

Mortgage Arrangements
As well as regular mortgages, we can advise and act in arranging sharia law compliant mortgages.

FreeWill Service with Cancer Research UK
We subscribe to this Charity Will writing service. If you are interested in leaving a legacy to Cancer Research UK and using the FreeWill service please contact Roger Armstrong.

Statutory Legacies
Where the intestate leaves a spouse and children, the spouse’s legacy is £250,000 (up from £125,000) and where there are no children but the intestate is survived by parents or brothers or sisters, the spouse’s legacy will be £450,000 (up from £250,000). It is important to make a Will and ask Roger Armstrong for details.

Wills & Manorlands
AWB have agreed to support Manorlands Sue Ryder Care to waive its normal Will making fee for clients leaving a legacy to Manorlands. This applies to standard Wills. For more details please contact Liam O’Neill or Roger Armstrong.

For further information and advice about any of the above and other matters, please contact us.

.