Selected news stories

Changes to courts system New name, more I.T. 13 April 2005	The Clean Neighbourhoods Act becomes law New powers over nuisance 11 April 2005	Student loans Increase in earnings threshold 07 April 2005
Road tax changes DVLA savings stamps 29 March 2005	Court forms online New pilots 25 February 2005	Mortgages information from FSA Help with mortgage options 23 February 2005
Gender Recognition Act 2004 Gender Recognition Panel is now accepting applications 15 February 2005	Probate work - charging Non-solicitors 15 February 2005	Saving Gateway Pilot scheme for people on low incomes 13 February 2005
Alcohol licences New application procedures 01 February 2005	Tsunami Missing Persons 27 January 2005	MPs activities in Parliament - new website Are they working for you? 25 January 2005
Education Maintenance Allowance First EMA bonus payments for 16 year olds 24 January 2005	Smacking New offences for parents 14 January 2005	Irish child abuse survivors Compensation fund 12 January 2005
Child Trust Fund More details available 09 January 2005	Court fees increase Expensive justice 04 January 2005	Freedom of information Access to information held by public authorities 01 January 2005
Horse passports Welsh horses 29 December 2004	Care homes Choice 22 December 2004	Anti-social behaviour orders Publicity 20 December 2004
Criminal procedures Disclosure of criminal records 15 December 2004	Access to the countryside Central southern England 14 December 2004	Wheelclampers AKA vehicle immobiliser operatives! 07 December 2004
European Health Insurance Card Replacement for E111 06 December 2004	World AIDS Day Women & AIDS 01 December 2004	Business rates New help online 30 November 2004
Cold weather payments Scheme extended 25 November 2004	The Inland Revenue asks: Could you claim tax back on your savings? Inland Revenue trying to give money back 23 November 2004	Guidance for setting local speed limits Public consultation 22 November 2004
Alternative dispute resolution New help online 19 November 2004	Health White Paper should prescribe advice to prevent ill-health Citizens Advice Media Release 19 November 2004	Blunkett: ID cards will protect civil liberties Government newspeak 17 November 2004
Civil court fees Increase delayed 15 November 2004	Fixed penalties More offences covered 11 November 2004	Criminal trials Causing a trial to collapse 10 November 2004
Mortgages Stopping lenders behaving badly 10 November 2004	Civil Partnership Bill Update Wrecking amendment wrecked 10 November 2004	Young offenders Supervision and surveillance programme 09 November 2004
The Gay Marriage Myth - Terrorism, not values, drove Bush's re-election. Slate Story 08 November 2004	Three teenagers have been charged with the murder of gay barman David Morley. BBC Story 07 November 2004	Driving disqualifications Great Britain and N. Ireland 05 November 2004
Television Switching from analogue to digital systems 03 November 2004	Driving licences Police officers can now directly access details. 02 November 2004	Children in care Dealing with anti-social behaviour 28 October 2004
Blunkett sets out store on compulsory ID cards The Register News Story 27 October 2004	Previous convictions to be disclosed to juries Round up the usual suspects ? 26 October 2004	Local Government Ombudsman Is it worth complaining? 25 October 2004
Fireworks: Think of the Consequences - be safe, not sorry This years safety campaign 22 October 2004	Fines - unpaid work as alternative When fines don't work 21 October 2004	Anti-social behaviour measures Curfews and supervision 20 October 2004
Most Freedom of information requests will be free Lowering the price of freedom 20 October 2004	Statutory charge on jointly-owned property Paying back the legal aid 19 October 2004	Setting aside judgments Harder justice 18 October 2004
Children needing their own machine readable passports Passport to travel? 14 October 2004	Charity Commission wants to hear from the lesbian and gay community Public Consultation 13 October 2004	Equal pay changes Tribunals gain more powers 11 October 2004
Salford says 'I do' to choice New facilities for Partnership Ceremonies 08 October 2004	Civil court fees Courts get more expensive 07 October 2004	Direct debits When a "direct debit" is not a "direct debit" 06 October 2004
The future of local government pensions Public Consultation 05 October 2004	Magistrates get access to credit database to track down offenders Nowhere to hide 05 October 2004	CAFOD HIV debate: no simple solutions Faith based agency adapts to real world 29 September 2004
Citizens Advice volunteers rewarded for the time they give to the community Citizens Advice press release 29 September 2004	Unfair dismissal - age limit Age limit is not discriminatory 28 September 2004	Millions don’t get the help they need on basic life problems Citizens Advice press release 28 September 2004
NHS recovery of costs in personal injury cases Public Consultation 27 September 2004	Councils tightens up on crafty claimants Crack down on fraudulent insurance claims 24 September 2004	Buju Banton concert axed in Manchester Police express community safety concerns 23 September 2004
Criminal injury decisions online Seeing why past decisions were made 22 September 2004	Bisexuals Overlooked in the Debate on Equal Marriage Rights NGLTF Press Release 22 September 2004	Student loans and bankruptcy Change in the law 20 September 2004
Asylum seekers - education help in Wales LEA help 15 September 2004	Law Society could face £1M fine over handling complaints Possible cost of failing the public 14 September 2004	One minutes silence to mark events in Beslan, Russia A mark of European sympathy 13 September 2004
Charity Commission clarifies public benefit check process Proving that the public benefits 13 September 2004	Met Office advice for severe weather Press Release 10 September 2004	Primary schools - free breakfasts in Wales Pilot project 08 September 2004
MOT certificates - N. Ireland Certificates of Temporary Exemption 07 September 2004	Advice Week: 6-12 September 2004 Advice in your community 06 September 2004	Community Legal Service Direct Half an hours free advice 02 September 2004
Contribution of volunteers to Citizens Advice Bureaux tops £70 million a year Citizens Advice Press Release 01 September 2004	Review of speeding penalties Public Consultation 01 September 2004	Balance between independence and partnership is vital Citizens Advice Media Release 27 August 2004
Unwanted marketing calls Companies now protected 24 August 2004	New helpline to empower consumers Citizens Advice Press Release 24 August 2004	Police - right to retain body samples No breach of Human Rights 23 August 2004
Racially or religiously motivated attacks Prosecution guidence 23 August 2004	Inquests Legal representation 20 August 2004	Access to the countryside New rights of way 20 August 2004
Passports changing child's name 18 August 2004	NHS complaints in England New Health Commission 11 August 2004	Barristers Opening the closed shop? 10 August 2004
Further Child Trust Fund Regulations Developing rules for early access 09 August 2004	Community Legal Service Direct Help via telephone 09 August 2004	Community support provision and needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Wales Stonewall Press Release 05 August 2004
Text messages guidelines for advertisers 03 August 2004	EU Accession countries importing tobacco products 02 August 2004	New powers of search and entry for fine enforcers. More effective enforcement 30 July 2004
Citizens Advice agrees with MPs that financial services industry should work to increase transparency Citizens Advice Press Release 28 July 2004	Legal aid proposals could turn UK into an advice desert Citizens Advice Press Release 27 July 2004	Education Maintenance Allowances Bonus for staying in education 26 July 2004
Hepatitis C Compensation Payments 23 July 2004	Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act Receives Royal Assent Caring for carers 22 July 2004	Countdown to Freedom of Information Website launched 20 July 2004
Travellers Heath advice 16 July 2004	Child Trust Fund Baby bonds 15 July 2004	National Driver Improvement Scheme Dealing with bad driving 14 July 2004
New Anti-ID fraud one-stop shop New website 14 July 2004	Myners review of mutuals Public consultation 13 July 2004	Last call for WW2 Victims' Compensation Claims DTI Press Release 09 July 2004
Student visas Accredited colleges 06 July 2004	Gypsies' evictions breach human rights Situation uncertain. 05 July 2004	On-line access to a bankrupt's details New service launched 02 July 2004
Overseas visitors hospital treatment 01 July 2004	Horse passport deadline day Big photobooths required 01 July 2004	Changes to 'no win no fee' arrangements Removing safeguards and relying on solicitors' self regulation. 30 June 2004
Vulnerable adults Abuse 29 June 2004	Prisoners foreign nationals 28 June 2004	Making the CLS more effective in tackling social exclusion Official consultation 26 June 2004
Fireworks restrictions on sales 25 June 2004	Overseas students leaflets 24 June 2004	Spanish traffic fine scam Salford CAB press release 22 June 2004
Mental Capacity Bill Clearer rights 21 June 2004	Guide for Health Workers Aims to End Confusion About 'Next of Kin' UNISON Press Release 19 June 2004	Sexual Assault Referral Centres New centres 18 June 2004
Consultation on the future of local government ODPM Kicks Off Discussion on 10-Year Vision 16 June 2004	The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill Putting victims first? 15 June 2004	Tour companies Security fees 14 June 2004
Citizens Advice urges Government to tackle mental health stigma with fundamental reforms Citizens Advice press release 14 June 2004	Statutory charge When it must be paid. 11 June 2004	Health and safety regulation Warning on paid for services 10 June 2004
Package holidays Unfair terms 09 June 2004	NHS-funded students Childcare allowance 07 June 2004	40 per cent rise in water price not acceptable Watervoice Press Release 07 June 2004
Council tax - liability A subtle change in liability 02 June 2004	Retained organs Helpline for bereaved relatives 02 June 2004	Legal aid provision failures hits vulnerable women and children Citizens Advice Press Release 01 June 2004
Changes to 'No Win No Fee' personal injury claims Success fee fixed. 01 June 2004	Solicitors - checks on client's identity Counteracting money laundering 25 May 2004	Prisoners - right to vote UK laws unlawful 24 May 2004
Elections Voting by post 20 May 2004	Solicitors - complaints Consumer Complaints Service 18 May 2004	Criminal legal aid cuts A cheaper, less just justice system. 17 May 2004
Nursery places 3 year olds start free early education 14 May 2004	Blue badge scheme Duty to produce 13 May 2004	School exclusions Courts cause further confusion 12 May 2004
Health costs Changes to entitlement 11 May 2004	Legal aid financial eligibility A quiet cut. 07 May 2004	Individual support orders Helping young people address the causes of crime 05 May 2004
Passport news New rules for first applications 04 May 2004	Gay men and the sex offenders' register How to apply to be taken off the register 04 May 2004	BSL recognition in practice 1.5 Million for tutors and awareness raising. 04 May 2004
Sexual offences Sexual Offences Act 2003 03 May 2004	EU Accession countries European enlargement. 01 May 2004	EU Accession country nationals - work in the UK Transitional arrangements 01 May 2004
Prisoners' families helpline Freephone helpline 30 April 2004	Community support officers and penalty notices Rights to impose penalties 29 April 2004	Fine enforcement financial details 29 April 2004
Berlin Declaration Sharply Condemns Anti-Semitic Harassment News stories 29 April 2004	Disclosures New case law 27 April 2004	Jury service Stricter rules 26 April 2004
Anti-social behaviour orders New Council powers 23 April 2004	Bail changes More conditions 21 April 2004	Key worker scheme A replacement scheme 20 April 2004
Police complaints New complaints body 19 April 2004	Council Tax Disabled council tax payers 16 April 2004	Police powers fingerprints and DNA samples 15 April 2004
Bankruptcy changes Quicker discharges 14 April 2004	Spam telephone calls Calls from abroad 09 April 2004	Fine enforcement pilots 07 April 2004
Council tax changes Changes in discounts 06 April 2004	PETS Travel Scheme Have ferret, can travel. 06 April 2004	Council Tax Changes Receiving council tax bills electronically, 02 April 2004
Driving licences Falkland Islands 01 April 2004	Endowment mortgages Still time to act 01 April 2004	Duty prosecutors duty prosecutors at a police station in Manchester 31 March 2004
Citizens Advice welcomes swift response on prescription charges Citizens Advice press release 31 March 2004	County court register changes Fines may soon effect credit ratings. 30 March 2004	Parenting and schooling New powers 25 March 2004
Pesticides Withdrawal from sale 24 March 2004	Money laundering New rules if dealing with cash. 23 March 2004	Vatican joins Muslims to fight homosexual partnerships Telegraph story 23 March 2004
Sign Language adapts to modern society Telegraph Story 22 March 2004	Care homes Guidance on reporting procedures 22 March 2004	Electronic tagging of young people Keeping track of children 19 March 2004
Citizens Advice response to Civil Service job cuts Citizens Advice press release 18 March 2004	Gordon Brown's 2004 Budget Citizens Advice has announced its wish list 17 March 2004	Heroes Return Scheme Veterans reunited 16 March 2004
Anti-social behaviour - new measures Two people now constitute a public assembly 12 March 2004	Debt consolidation under OFT spotlight People still not shopping around 11 March 2004	Endowment victims urgently need free independent financial advice Citizens Advice Press Release 11 March 2004
Television licence fee increase Soaps cost even more. 09 March 2004	Compensation for miners Deadline 31 March for Government scheme 05 March 2004	Computer purchase - government loan scheme Another go with an unpopular scheme 04 March 2004
Government announces more cash to fight crime in Manchester A safer village? 02 March 2004	Anti-social behaviour orders Now to include parenting orders. 27 February 2004	Prison visits Prison visit changes 26 February 2004
Council Tax Changes Care Homes 25 February 2004	First Citizenship Ceremony to take place. Updated 24 February 2004	Schwarzenegger and gay marriages A view from the states. 22 February 2004
Council tax changes disability discounts 20 February 2004	Criminal Justice Act 2003 Changes in sentences and police powers 17 February 2004	Gay Brits: No problems serving with U.S. troop Washington Blade Story 16 February 2004
The Pensions Bill Simplicity, Security and Choice? 12 February 2004	Fireworks Regulations 2003 But further laws due. 11 February 2004	Tax credits and help with health costs Problems with overpayments 10 February 2004
Visa changes. Visitors to the US 10 February 2004	Vatican says gay children should be forced to seek treatment GALHA Media Release 09 February 2004	Legal Aid System close to collapes Citizens Advice report 06 February 2004
Vehicle registration certificates More change at the DVLA 05 February 2004	New gambling laws proposed No hiding place for cheats 05 February 2004	Criminal records - basic disclosure But only in Scotland 04 February 2004
Report on Transfers of EU Air Passenger Data to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deception on Data Protection 04 February 2004	Fairer terms for care home residents New guidance from the OFT 03 February 2004	Child Trust Fund Details Draft Regulations Published 02 February 2004
Ryanair wheelchair fee ruled unlawful in landmark case Even cheap airlines cannot ignore the law. 30 January 2004	Cannabis reclassified But not decriminalised 29 January 2004	Stamp duty land tax Changes 27 January 2004
Council tax - students House shares get easier. 22 January 2004	Catholic Cardinal denounced gays and lesbians as Telegraph story 22 January 2004	Law Society cracks down on firms providing inadequate professional service Miners Compensation Claims 21 January 2004
Bouncers - regulation of door supervisors Training to make bouncers bounce more gently 16 January 2004	National Savings and Investments - tracing service for lost money FInding where you left your money. 16 January 2004	Travel advice in Indian sub-continent languages Depending on which country. 15 January 2004
Council tax - second homes Changes for April 14 January 2004	DVLA watches car tax Now even more important to get your disk replaced on time. 12 January 2004	Work permit rules - Home Office website Advice about workers from abroad. 09 January 2004
New bid to put President Mugabe on trial Press Statement from Peter Tatchell 08 January 2004	War veterans - free passports UPDATED 07 January 2004	Court judgments available online Access to judgements 02 January 2004
County courts Contacting by e-mail 31 December 2003	Child Trust Fund (baby bonds) Some children may benefit in 18 years time. 23 December 2003	Child support ruling Some people may have to pay more. 19 December 2003
Definition of disability to be changed to include the diagnosis of HIV Plans to change the Disability Discrimination Act 18 December 2003

Disclaimer

All information provided on our news pages were intended to inform the reader of events and they should not be treated as legal advice or opinion. In particular the developments detailed in these stories will frequently be overtaken by future events.

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