CPI Update - Issue 75 - January 2010

The January 2010 issue of the CPI Update contains:

Case law commentary on:

• Outsourcing arrangements and the “virtual assignment” - Clarence House Ltd v National Westminster Bank plc;
• Showing an intention to dedicate land as a highway - Wild v SoS for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ;
• Easements in leases and the effect of a 1954 Act continuation - EDF Energy Networks (EPN) Plc v BOH Ltd & Ors ;
• Rescission of a contract for a failure to give vacant possession - Weir v Area Estates Limited ;
• Saving an erroneous break notice - Baker Tilly Management Ltd v Computer Associates UK Ltd ;
• Restrictive covenants and the annexation of benefits - Re Hutchinson, 1 Captains Gorse ;
• Connecting to public sewers under section 106 Water Industry Act 1991 - Barratt Homes Ltd v Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig.

Legislative developments in relation to:
Carbon Reduction Commitment – the British Property Federation industry-wide consultation;
VAT – the January 1st, 2010 VAT rate change to 17.5%;
Business rates – extending empty rates relief;
SDLT – changes to the residential SDLT threshold;
SDLT – disclosure of tax schemes for residential transactions;
Planning – PPS 4 practice guidance;
Planning – consultation on planning conditions;
Planning – updated guidance on flood risk.

Practical comment on:
1954 Act – the problem of the split reversion;
Land Registry – the end of ENDs (electronic notification of discharges);
Mortgages – new standard mortgage instructions from the Building Societies Association.

Published 3rd January 2010.