A solicitor who falsely claimed he had a professional indemnity insurance (PII) policy has been struck off by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard that Venkateshwarlu Bandla had stated that he was insured with AIG Europe…read more
Complaints increase – but vast majority of consumers happy with their property agent says Ombudsman. Published July 2017
Complaints about property agents were up 7.5% last year according to The Property Ombudsman (TPO). Despite the increase, TPO chief Katrine Sporle says that the majority of consumers are happy with their agent, with complaints equating to just 0.1% of…read more
Widely drafted exclusion clause valid says court. Published July 2017
A food manufacturer has lost a claim for negligence after a suppression system failed to stop a fire in its factory. The fire prevention firm was able to rely on an exclusion clause in its contract which the manufacturer argued…read more
Negligent adviser escapes liability. Published July 2017
A negligent tax adviser has escaped liability after the claim was brought outside the limitation period. The case also reinforces the difference between the responsibilities of an adviser providing ‘information’ and one offering ‘advice’. Partners in a Merseyside firm, Michael…read more
Court of Appeal provides clarity on accountants’ disciplinary proceedings. Published July 2017
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has been challenged in the courts over its decision to bring disciplinary proceedings against accountancy firm Baker Tilley. The accountant claimed that the guidance used by the regulator when it decided to start proceedings was…read more
International law firm loses negligence claim over £26m property. Published July 2017
International law firm Bird & Bird has lost a negligence appeal over a £26m residential property. The firm failed to tell its client about a search report which revealed several planning applications close to the property including a new-build six…read more
Expert witness’s failure secures £1 rent for community centre. Published July 2017
An expert witness’s failure to provide reliable evidence has allowed a community centre to get away with paying just a £1 a year rent for its premises. The case shows that judges can disregard expert evidence that is not reliable…read more
