Legal Update
Consultations
Pensions at 66?
Released 24th June with a deadline of 6th July the DWP is asking, “When should the state pension age increase to 66?”
Currently the best place to live and retire is Hungary or Latvia, both men and women getting pensions at 62. Residents of Iceland or Norway have to wait till they’re 67 before qualifying. Hungary and Latvia, like most countries however are increasing retirement ages in stages. The DWP wants to know when should we start increasing ours. Claiming we need to move our retirement age as we’re living longer and costing more.
The Government sees notice is needed to equalise pension ages. To comment see www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/spa-inc-to-66-call-for-evidence.pdf
Dangerous Lorries and Coaches
With the holiday season upon us, are our roads safe to travel on. The Department for Transport launched a review yesterday to eradicate dangerous lorries and coaches currently afforded space on our roads. The consultation aims to review and empower the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency to tackle overpacked lories, enforcing new cab rules regarding driving operations. The consultation close on 13th August 2010, www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open
Legal News
Employers Pensions Contributions
The Pensions Act 2008 introduced new measures regarding private savings and work place pension reforms, effective from 2012. Placing new legal responsibilities on employers to enrol automatically eligible employees onto qualifying schemes and making contributions.
Just how employers were to implement these enrolments was announced by the Government. However, following the recent Governmental changes a further review is required. This will be conducted by a team reporting back by the 30th September 2010.
Academies
Other countries have them, now they’re coming to England and Wales. An Academy is a publicly funded independent primary or secondary school. They have more freedom as to education and control from local authorities. Setting their own pay and staffing conditions and changing times and lengths of terms. They also do not always have to follow the national curriculum.
Certain schools around the country are pursuing a route to becoming an Academy, these are posted at www.education.gov.uk/academies/schools-registering-interest. To assist schools in deciding if they wish to change, a funding calculator is also provided at www.education.gov.uk/academies
If you are concerned about your child’s education, as well as all the other school questions there’s a new one, “Is an Academy right for them?”.
And Lastly…
What’s happening to our Places of Worship.
Some have fallen down, others are just about to, what’s to be done?
English Heritage’s East of England survey revealed today at St Marks church near Downham Market; shows from of over 2,305 listed places of worship, 86% are in good repair, unfortunately 14% need urgent work. Some grant funding is available, the rest is up to the congregation.
English Heritage will publish on the 7th July a risk register, showing national treasures at risk.
Craig Ward
Solicitor
Craig Ward is Author of the book ‘Lasting Powers of Attorney: A Practical Guide’ (The Law Society)