Three French Hens or from 26 Other Member States
On 20 December 2019, MPs voted 358 to 234 - a majority of 124 - in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which now goes on to further scrutiny in Parliament. Assuming the European Parliament also gives the green light, the UK will formally leave the EU on 31 January with a withdrawal deal. Thinking that Brexit would happen the day after the Referendum was a little odd! The chronology below shows where it all began and where the UK is to date.
Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear-Tree
“On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree” and of course, we all know that a dog or puppy or kitten or turtle doves or any kind of bird, is not just for Christmas. Last year the RSPCA rescued and collected 102,900 animals. The charity does not just deal with domestic animals, it also takes care of wild animals. The aim of the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust is for the public to have a much better understanding of how animals should be cared for and treated.
Day One of the Twelve Days of Christmas
During the podcast with Luke St Clair & Andrew Overman touched upon homelessness and the fact that it is a topic that becomes more prevalent in Winter, nearer the Christmas period. And it’s true that we see more adverts and campaigns that relate to the plight of the homeless. Yet after a day of “over consumption”, it is so important to remember that Kindness and a Caring Nature are free, and not just reserved for the lead up to the Christmas holidays
Looking Back, Looking Forward
2019 has not been that straightforward as far as the PRS is concerned, yet most letting agents & property managers have held their nerve, with clear business objectives and focus.
The start of the year was filled with apprehension about what the Tenant Fees Act 2019 would look like; how would business plans and models change? How would the legislation impact the bottom line? Would businesses thrive and survive or flounder? The key elements that came out of the guidance put in place a “transitionary period” that allowed fees to be charged for pre-existing tenancies until 31st May 2020, ensuring the holding deposit is enshrined in law, removing references to “professional” cleaning of any kind and gardening, caps on deposits and therefore the need to refund surplus amounts. Not only did agencies need to consider the financial elements, there was also process to fact into these changes. Ensuring that the law is implemented correctly sits with the agent, this has been done with a great deal of professionalism and expertise.