Mediation in the UK - Is this the Way Forward?
In the UK, mediation has been used to find solutions predominantly, to commercial disputes, however, more and more, courts have become proactive in encouraging parties to mediate. Over the last 19 months because of the Pandemic, the courts have experienced serious backlogs. This impacts not only the legal profession, but also has a detrimental effect on the claimant and defendant who wait while court hearings are re-listed.
In February 2021, a new mediation pilot was introduced as part of the court process for housing possession cases by the Ministry of Housing.
The mediation pilot was free to use for landlords and tenants involved in a housing possession court case and the objective was to resolve cases without the need for a face to face court hearing.
The service was to form part of the government’s work with the judiciary on new court arrangements to support all parties in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Details of the other arrangements are available in COVID-19 and renting guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities. Whilst the pilot has now ended, the mediation process offered illustrated just how important finding an alternative to the court route has actually become.
The Benefits of Mediation
It is a fact that Mediation can be less stressful and costly than going to a full hearing, where additional fees and expenses will apply.
The process is also proven to be much quicker than a full court hearing. The session is confidential, and the mediator’s aim is to find a solution that is mutually beneficial to both parties. During the appointment the mediator will :
· explain how the session will work
· will treat both parties with equal confidentiality
· speak to each party separately
· be neutral and help each party explore options to try and reach agreement
Lest We Forget
The Royal British Legion has been supporting Service men and women, ex-serving personnel and their families since 1921.
The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-Servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War:
-
The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers
-
The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers
-
The Comrades of The Great War
-
The Officers' Association
The amalgamation of these diverse bodies can be attributed largely to two men: Field Marshal Earl Haig and Tom Lister of The Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers. Lord Haig served as the President of The Royal British Legion until his death Royal British Legion has provided Remembrance honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life.
Bonfire Night Safety
Remember, Remember the 5th of November!!
Tonight, marks the night where Guy Fawkes tried to blow up parliament (gunpowder Plot 1605).
The history behind the gunpowder plot was an aim to rid the protestant king, king James I, in hope to restore a catholic monarch to the English throne. Due to the failure of the gunpowder plot many people began to light bonfires in celebration that the king was still alive. In 1606 an observance of the 5th of November act was passed, making the 5th of November a public day giving thanks to the failure of the gunpowder plot. Over the years to come the 5th of November celebrations became more elaborate with fireworks.
Bonfire night is one of the most memorable nights every year. You either go to beautiful fireworks show or your parents by loads of fireworks for you to set off in your garden. Although bonfire night is very pretty to look at, it can also be very dangerous.
The History of Halloween
Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31 and it is a misconception that Halloween originated in the United States.
In fact the tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and signified the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the worlds of the living and the dead merged. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.