Housing benefits have not been increased in line with local rents since April 2013 and they remain frozen until April 2020, which campaigners say has left many people stuck in 'desperate' situations

The government is now being called upon to review the policy and end the freeze immediately.

Read the full story here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/lowincome-tenants-face-heat-eat-or-pay-rent-choices-a8512486.html

To be kept up to date speak to us about our newsletters, or keep reading our blogs, follow us on Facebook, or attend one of our training events. Speak to Kirsty for further information.

#VentYourRent is trending on social media; if you are one of the 1.85 million households having to wait longer than you should for your landlord to fix a problem contact our Housing Department on 0330 123 1131.

Read the full story here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/7065503/renters-post-pictures-of-damp-mould-filled-flats-as-campaigners-call-for-fairer-terms-for-tenants/

Currently couples who wish to split must cite a reason that the marriage is unviable, such as unreasonable behaviour or adultery on the part of one party.

A recent law firm revealed that three out of ten people going through divorce lie about the reasons for their marriage breakdown.

The full story is available here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6061279/Divorcees-speed-proceedings-lying-poll-finds.html

If you require advice and/or assistance contact our Lisa Evans on 0330 123 1131 who can provide specialist legal advice on the process and grounds for divorce.

The Government has released proposals for tenants in social housing in England to have greater powers. Plans include introducing landlord ratings to hold bad practice to account, and providing the regulator with "sharper teeth" to intervene on issues that matter most to tenants. It also outlines changes to make it easier for tenants to own their homes, such as allowing them to use the government's shared ownership scheme to purchase as little as 1% of their property each year.

Read the full story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45176684

To be kept up to date on the proposals speak to us about our newsletters, or keep reading our blogs, follow us on Facebook, or attend one of our training events. Speak to Kirsty for further information.

Landowners will be able to claim damages if the "pernicious" plant Japanese knotweed has encroached on their property following a Court of Appeal ruling.

Read the full story here https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/consumer-affairs/japanese-knotweed-ruling-landowners-can-claim-damages-plant/

If you are experiencing problems with Japanese Knotweed call us for a free 10 minutes consultation as soon as possible on 0330 123 1131