Your Rights as a Carer in Scotland
There are many people who are providing care for loved ones in their own homes. The Scottish Government recently circulated an updated Carers’ charter explaining the rights of adult carers or young carers in Scotland. This came on the back of the introduction of new legislation, The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016, which came into effect from 1 April […]
Practical Aspects of Registered Power of Attorney with a Bank
You have been appointed as a Continuing (financial) Attorney and now need to trigger the powers granted to you. Should you require further information or specific advice please contact a member of our Power of Attorney team who will be happy to assist.
Changes to the Repairing Standard
It is all change right now in the world of repairs for private landlords in Scotland. We recently saw new Gas Safety Regulations come into force on 6 April 2018 and more changes have been implemented with the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 (Modification of the Repairing Standard) Regulations 2019. Please find below a summary of […]
Updated Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement
The Scottish Government has recently published updated versions of the model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement, Easy Read Notes, and Statutory Terms Supporting Notes. This update takes account of changes to data protection laws, as well as other minor edits and clarifications. The new versions should be used going forward. You can access the updated information […]
First-time Buyers Consider Lifetime ISA for free cash
As most people are aware, the government set up a very generous scheme at the end of 2015 known as Help to Buy ISAs where young people who had never owned a house before (first-time buyers) could save for a house and be given a free 25% bonus on top of their savings when they became able […]
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Additional Dwelling Supplement – Update
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) replaced Stamp Duty Land Tax on the purchase of property in Scotland on the 1st April 2015. Since then there have been many updates, amendments and guidance notes issued. The purpose of this blog is to provide an update on the current threshold and tax banding for LBTT, the new First […]
Equity Release Mortgages
Why consider an equity release mortgage? The average person can expect to live for around 20 years following retirement and for many people equity release is an attractive option as it offers either a lump sum or a regular income which could be used in a number of ways: How does an equity release mortgage […]
What Are Legal Rights in Scotland?
‘But I’ve not spoken to my children in 10 years!!’ Whether or not you choose to make a Will, there exists what are known as ‘Legal Rights’ in Scotland. Some argue that if they have chosen to make a Will and expressed a clear wish that their children are not to inherit any of their […]
Know your Inheritance Tax Gift Exemptions
Life can be taxing at times, no more so than on death. So it is important to consider the potential inheritance tax implications which can arise upon your death. Do you know your Inheritance Tax Gift Exemptions? When you die, Inheritance Tax may be payable on your estate. Each person has a Nil Rate Band of […]
Funeral Instructions – Do They Matter?
One of the benefits of making a Will is that you can narrate your funeral instructions and let your family know your specific wishes for your funeral. However, as you will not be here to know if these wishes have been carried out, is it really worth stipulating what should happen to your body and […]
