Energy Saving

You may have heard in the press that incentives are being introduced for energy-saving measures. These are to be introduced on 1st April 2010.

They will provide financial incentives for people and businesses to install electricity-generating technologies such as solar electricity panels and wind turbines.

It will do this by guaranteeing a minimum payment for the notional electricity generated in addition to the electricity exported to the National Grid.

Energy savings made by the use of solar panels to heat hot water will we believe also be taken into consideration.

Market review

Time for cautious optimism.

Right Move the property portal has reported that there is an increase in activity with 26% more hits than in the same period in the previous year.

The Land Registry recorded a rise of 0.1% in purchase prices using database of all residential housing transactions.

HM revenue and Customs have reported 104,000 transactions completing in December 2009 this is the first time since 2007 that the number has risen above the 100,000 level

Expert witness breaking news

The 50th Update to the Civil Procedure Rules (SI 2009 No. 2092) which comes into force on 1 October 2009, introduces changes in a large number of areas. Of particular relevance to expert witnesses are the changes to Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the Protocol for the Instruction of Experts to give Evidence in Civil Claims. These amendments, according to the Ministry of Justice internet site, have been made to “clarify the definition of an expert and provide guidance to reduce any inconsistency in the appointment of single joint experts; revise the expert’s statement of truth; and ensure that the questions posed to experts are proportionate and appropriate. Consequential amendments are made to the Annex, PD28 and PD29”.