Vacant Land Tax in Wales

Earlier this month, the Senedd announced a joint consultation with the UK Government for the devolution of powers to allow the Senedd to introduce a Vacant Land Tax (“VLT”) in Wales. This has been mooted previously but appears to be gaining a new lease of life. The rationale behind this initiative is that it would…

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‘Upwards Only’ Rent Reviews go Up in the Air

Tucked away in Part 5 (section 71) and Schedule 31 to the (confusingly called) English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, the Government has hailed an end to upwards only rent reviews in commercial leases, in England and Wales. The intention is to insert a new section 54A and Schedules 7A and 7B to the Landlord…

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Facing a Probate Dispute? Here’s What You Need To Know

Disputes that emerge during the administration of a deceased person’s estate are known as contentious probate. These concerns, which typically involve disputes over the legality of a will, the proper distribution of assets, or the actions of executors, are becoming more prevalent in England and Wales. Due to the high emotional and monetary stakes, those…

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The Autumn Budget – What This Means For Farmers, Landowners And Business Owners

The 2024 Autumn Budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, introduced significant changes to inheritance tax rules – particularly affecting Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). These reforms are expected to have a major impact on farmers, landowners and business owners, sparking concern across rural communities. So, what do we know so far…

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Navigating the Complexities of Mergers and Acquisitions: A Guide for Businesses

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) represent pivotal moments in a company’s lifecycle, offering opportunities for growth, expansion, and market dominance. However, the UK’s intricate legal and regulatory landscape demands expert guidance to ensure successful and compliant transactions. At RDP Law, we understand the strategic importance of M&A and provide comprehensive legal support throughout the entire process.…

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Professional Negligence – When Expertise Falls Short

In England and Wales, we rely on experts from a variety of fields to deliver skilled services, from doctors and solicitors to architects, and accountants. We rely on their abilities and knowledge. However, when experts fall short of their expected standards, the repercussions can be severe. This is where professional negligence comes into play. Professional negligence arises when…

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Is Your Will Up To Date? Here’s Why It Matters.

This ‘Update Your Will Week’ (3rd – 9th March 2025), we’re joining The Association of Lifetime Lawyers to raise awareness around the importance of keeping wills up to date. A will isn’t just a legal document – it’s your voice, your wishes and your legacy. Yet many people don’t realise how quickly life changes, which…

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The Power of a Promise: How Proprietary Estoppel Shapes Property Rights

In the world of land law, there’s a common saying: “If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist”. Essentially, this means that for something to be legally binding, it will usually need to be written into a lease or contract. However, there is a useful exception to this rule known as proprietary estoppel. This doctrine…

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