Commercial

Articles

Overdrawn but not over

Andrew Head examines the impact of the bank charges ruling on the thousands of cases that were stayed pending the outcome of the case

Time for a change

Change should be viewed as a source of opportunity, but only firms that embrace it and handle it correctly will see the benefits, says Dianne Bown-Wilson

Less is more

It really is depressing. On the news we hear that the highly laudable suggestion in Scotland to legislate against cut-price drinking is opposed by a coalition of politicians on the basis that such action on price will be harmful to the sensible drinker. Rather like the bankers, they just don't get it.

Consumer panel opens consultation on referrals

The Legal Services Board's new consumer panel has started an investigation into referral arrangements, the first issue it will tackle since its appointment last month.

Berkshire firm closes

Willmett Solicitors, a mixed practice with offices in Reading, Windsor, Maidenhead and Woodley, has closed.

Bar fury over "cost-cutting" VHCC scheme

Barristers have reacted angrily to an announcement from the LSC today that one option for 'very high cost' criminal cases would be to extend the limits for the standard graduated fee scheme from cases lasting 40 days to 60 days.

Update: environment

Meyric Lewis and Cain Ormondroyd discuss the implementation of the civil sanctions regime and cases on the designation of an SSSI, the impact of the Habitats Directive on planning applications, rules for disclosure of environmental information and the applicability of the Aarhus Convention

Update: consumer

Mark Lucas reviews the judgment on unauthorised borrowing charges, the break up of the big banks, the FSA's mortgage market review, BIS' consultation on credit and store card terms, and the OFT's success in persuading the Builders Merchants Federation to amend its terms and conditions