Onset of dementia, medical and legal steps against it

Health organisations across the world are stressing the need for people to take preventive measures to protect themselves as they get older. Official guidance from the NHS says: “There is currently no ‘cure’ for dementia. In fact, because dementia is caused by different diseases it is unlikely that there will be a single cure for…

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35-year mortgages with Help to Buy schemes

Homeowners purchasing properties under the Help to Buy are now able to use 35-year mortgages. The government is trying to remove a loophole where purchasers using the scheme have had difficulty applying for mortgages longer that 20 years. The changes, effective immediately, give people more freedom to reduce their monthly mortgage repayments by spreading their…

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Christian campaigner loses court case over mother’s will

The leader of the political group, the Christian People’s Alliance, has lost a court battle with his sister over their mother’s will. Sidney Cordle gained national prominence in 2014 while campaigning against same-sex marriage. Mr Cordle’s mother Peggy died in 2016 at the age of 93, leaving a house worth £300,000 and £60,000 in cash.…

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Digital signatures make it easier to re-mortgage

The Land Registry says its commitment to developing new digital services is making the process of buying a home simpler and quicker. One of its main innovations is a system allowing homeowners to re-mortgage their property by signing their mortgage deeds online. Lord Henley, the minister with responsibility for the Land Registry, said: “People are…

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Government supports Lasting Powers of Attorney

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that people taking out Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) are given the help and protection they need. LPAs enable you to nominate someone such as a family member or trusted associate to make decisions on your behalf if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself…

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Stamp duty surcharge ‘could reduce house price inflation’

The government is considering a stamp duty surcharge for non-UK resident homebuyers to reduce house price inflation and provide funds to help the homeless. The Treasury is conducting a study to consider how a new 1% increase to stamp duty costs for non-UK residents buying residential property in England and Northern Ireland would work. This…

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