The outdated law of wills needs an overhaul according to the Law Commission. The independent body say that Victorian laws, out of step with the modern world, are failing to protect the vulnerable – and not allowing others to distribute their cherished possessions after they’ve gone. With an estimated 40% of adults dying each year without … Read more >
The Law Commission has today set out its plans for the current financial year in a new business plan. The document sets out measurable targets for the organisation to meet which will help it achieve its aim of reforming the law. It sets four priorities: To ensure that the law is fair, modern and clear; … Read more >
The Law Commission was very sad to learn today of the untimely death of Lord Toulson. He served as Chairman of the Commission between 2002 and 2006. The reports we published during this period covered a variety of important subjects including partial defences to murder, forfeiture and succession, renting homes and unfair terms in contracts. … Read more >
There are no legal or regulatory barriers to pension schemes making social investments, according to a new report by the Law Commission. Since auto-enrolment was brought in by the government in 2012, the amount of cash in defined contribution pension schemes has rocketed. By 2030 they are now expected to total some £1.68 trillion. This … Read more >
The Law Commission welcomes plans outlined in today’s Queen Speech to close a legal loophole which means buyers of second-hand vehicles are at risk of having them repossessed due to unfair logbook loans. As part of plans to make the country fairer the Government has announced it will act on Law Commission recommendations to scrap … Read more >
Last summer the Law Commission called for ideas for its 13th Programme of Law Reform. We received a huge amount of responses – with 215 unique projects suggestions – and are currently analysing the responses. While no decisions have been made yet, the Law Commission had planned to seek the Lord Chancellor’s approval for the … Read more >
Older people who have moved into retirement leasehold properties could be being hit with unfair fees worth thousands of pounds, according to the Law Commission. After a two-year investigation, the independent law body has found that there is real potential for abuse in the charging of so called “event fees” or “transfer fees”. When the … Read more >
Thousands of vulnerable people with dementia and learning disabilities are being detained in hospitals and care homes without the appropriate checks, due to a law unfit for purpose according to the Law Commission. Often those who lack the mental capacity to consent – like certain people with dementia or learning disabilities – need to be … Read more >
Due to a large amount of interest, the deadline for responding to the Protection of Official Data open public consultation has been extended to 3 May. The paper, launched on the 2nd February, suggests ways to improve the law around the protection of official information. It is an independent review of the laws – including … Read more >
The Law Commission today welcomed the decision by Ministers to close a legal loophole which means buyers of second-hand vehicles are at risk of having them repossessed due to unfair laws around logbook loans. Logbook loans are a way for borrowers to use their car or van as security for a loan and over the … Read more >