Welcome to the February edition of our newsletter, where our aim is to keep you informed on your rights, and legal issues that may affect you or your friends and loved ones. We can provide legal advice in many areas, and it costs nothing to call us for FREE initial advice on 0845 300 3574.

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Harvey Sandercock, Head of Accident & Injury Department

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Higher Stamp Duty Land Tax for properties over £1million.

It was announced in the Finance Bill 2010 that there would be a higher Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rate of 5% for purchases of residential property where the consideration exceeds £1 million.

Currently the rate is 4% for all properties sold for over £500,000, but the new higher rate will apply to residential purchases over £1m, where the effective date (normally the date of completion) is on or after 6th April 2011.

[Read more on Property Sale and Purchase at our website »]

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Client awarded compensation in Injury at Work court case.

By Jenny Davey, Solicitor

On the 14th January 2011 District Judge Cotterill sitting in the Coventry County Court found in favour of Mr Brian Tallis who was represented by Ascot Lawyers and had been injured in an accident at work.

The Defendant, (Veolia Es Cleanaway Holdings Ltd.) fought the case the whole way to court, however lost at the final hurdle with Mr Tallis being awarded compensation for the injuries sustained as a result of his Employer’s breach of duty...

[Read full article at our website »]

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The Great Taxi Spotters Valentine’s Chocolate Giveaway

The first 3 people to email sarahs@ascotlawyers.co.uk with a correct license plate number for just one of the three Ascot Lawyers branded taxis will receive a free box of ‘Hotel Chocolat’ Valentine’s chocolates.

Taxi Spotting Tip: Our new Marketing Consultant, Mickey Brown recently spotted one just outside Windsor Castle... pictured here with driver Alum. Read more more about this on our website.

Competition ends 14th February, 2011

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You or your loved ones could be eligible for help with Care Home Fees.

By Peter Williams, Partner & Head of Civil Litigation

It is a sad fact of life that Care Home costs are rocketing ahead of inflation, yet few people know that government assistance may be available to assist with, or pay, the cost of care; particularly where nursing care is required.

We can help you determine whether you are eligible for assistance, or even a refund on costs paid.

[Read full article at our website »]

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Bracknell Bees Ice Hockey - Player Profile of the Month

Alex Barker

Number: 07
Position: Forward
Shoots: Left
Date of birth: 18/09/1990
Height: 6'
Weight: 194lbs

Read more at The Bracknell Bees website ».

Bracknell Bees Next Home Game:
Swindon Wildcats, 8pm on 10th February.
Ticket Hotline: 01344 789000.

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Delaying tactics of Insurers

By Karen Fleming, Solicitor

Third Party Insurers increasing unwillingness to deal with claims efficiently and use of delaying tactics by making unsupported allegations of fabrication and exaggeration means that more cases are going to court. However, if an insurer wants to raise the issue that the claim is fraudulent then this must be pleaded within the proceedings and only where there is evidence to do so.

This was upheld in a recent case which should be seen as a warning to insurers. In the case of Clarke v Maltby the Claimant sought, and obtained an order that the Defendant pay the entire costs of her action on the indemnity basis due to the Defendant’s conduct throughout the case...

[Read more at our website »]

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