Impact of Legal Aid Changes

There has been a lot of talk across the UK legal sector recently about the legal aid changes that have now come into force. As part of their cost saving strategy, the government is aiming to significantly reduce the amount spent on legal aid each year. Their target is to reduce the previous figure of around £2.2 billion a year by £350 million.

The government’s stated aim is to safeguard legal aid for those who really need it by ensuring there isn’t wastage elsewhere. They have therefore made reforms to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO).

There will be a number of areas of law that will be hit the most, namely family law, employment law, clinical negligence law and immigration law. Those going through divorce or separation are no longer able to claim legal aid in most cases. This includes separations that impact children, something that has been highly criticised. Those taking legal action against a former employer, for example those claiming unfair dismissal, will also be impacted. An area of law which is often referred to when discussing wastage is negligence and these changes will make it more difficult for many to gain compensation in situations of clinical negligence. Another area where there will be an impact is immigration where a person is not detained.

There will be some areas where legal aid will still be available within family law and immigration law. Some involved in family law cases where domestic violence can be proven, child abduction has occurred or someone has been forced into marriage will still be entitled to legal aid. It will also still be available in asylum cases.

There are fears amongst many in the legal sector that these cuts could have a major negative impact on certain areas of law. According to the Guardian, research has suggested that 25 percent of lawyers and advisors fear the knock-on effect will lose them their jobs. Another concern is that many will be unable to afford good legal advice and will take the law into their own hands as a result; that more people will attempt to represent themselves.

A general consensus is that vulnerable people will suffer, with some claiming it is an attack on the poor. While wealthier members of society will always be able to afford legal representation, some cannot, and this could mean that those without the necessary funds will not be able to carry out justifiable legal action in certain circumstances. For example, those impacted by medical negligence might not be able to begin proceedings for compensation which they may be fully entitled to. There has clearly been wastage in this sector, and it is right that this is looked at, but the danger is that it will lead to people not getting the compensation they are entitled to. These changes could lead to people remaining in unhappy marriages, and children remaining in unhappy households, as divorce becomes unaffordable to some. There are suggestions that there will be instances where one party in a separation will be able to afford legal representation while the other will not be able to, meaning the wealthier party is more likely to come out of a divorce better placed.

There certainly is the opportunity to save costs within the legal sector, but is ending legal aid in certain legal sectors really the best way of saving money? When looking to save on costs it is difficult to get the balance right. The reality is that money can be saved in legal aid and there are circumstances where legal aid isn’t required. Rather than targeting whole areas of legislation, though, would it not make more sense to reduce the amount people are entitled to or the number of people who qualify? For example, the threshold of those who can receive financial assistance could be changed. It is important to support those who need it, while not using tax payer’s money unnecessarily. If the government is attempting to safeguard legal aid for those who really need it, why are they taking its availability completely away from certain sectors?   

Andrew Marshall ©

Home Improvement Trends

The housing market is slow at the moment, making it difficult for some to sell their home, or at least at a price that they would be willing to sell at. Partly due to this, there has been an increasing trend in the numbers making home improvements instead. Rather than moving to an “improved home”, they are improving the one that they already live in. So, what are some of the current home improvement trends?

More people appear to be keen on adding character to their home. In recent years having a home that appears to have “more character” is something that has been deemed more attractive. There are many things that can be done to achieve this, with changes to doors and windows amongst the most popular. Some are brightening doorways to make them more attractive, while adding shutters to windows is a popular addition. These, along with many other alterations, are small changes that can make a big difference to the appearance of a home. Other examples that are fashionable at the moment are changes to lighting fixtures, decorations and doing something different with house numbers.

Outdoor living space is something that is often talked about with regards to home improvement. This isn’t just in reference to doing the garden up though, but creating (or improving) the outdoor living space; that is to say outdoor seating areas and outdoor eating areas so the living room and the dining room can be brought outside during the summer. People like to live a more Mediterranean lifestyle. Despite the rainy summers we’ve had in Britain of late, we enjoy living a more outdoor lifestyle when we can these days. Having somewhere to entertain, or simply relax, is something more of us want.

Colour-wise, white is particularly popular right now. This neutral colour is often preferred, whether it is white walls or white fixtures. White kitchens are a particularly good example of this. The popularity of white is not reflected in soft furnishings, though. Here, colourful furnishing, often with stripes and patterns, are seen as more trendy.

A trend that can be particularly put down to the current housing market is extending the size of a home, with loft extensions common right now. In many cases moving to a larger home may not be realistic, but increasing the size of their current home is possible for some. It is a big job, and not inexpensive, but it is almost guaranteed to increase the value of a home. Typically an extra bedroom and bathroom, or an en-suite bedroom, can be added to a home, turning a three bedroom house into a four bedroom house, for example.

Modern kitchens can add significant value to a home, and be significantly more pleasant to use. There has, therefore, been a rise in the number of people modernising their kitchens. While some are making small changes, others are having theirs completely remodelled. Island units and bold splashbacks are two things that are fashionable at the moment.

Andrew Marshall ©

Security Challenges and Benefits of Cloud Computing

Is security in the cloud a challenge or a benefit? The accurate answer is both; there can be both disadvantages and advantages. Security within cloud computing is something that seems to be discussed constantly with some believing data can be more secure if hosted within a cloud environment and others having their doubts. Let’s take a look at some security factors and look at both the negative and positive arguments.

Security Challenges

When storing data in the cloud it is hosted across multiple servers and not knowing the exact location of their data is a concern to many. It is something that is confusing to some and therefore worries them. This concern is, though, partly borne out of a lack of understanding. It is not as though data is floating around the clouds with anyone able to lay their hands on it. Where hosted on one, single dedicated server organisations know where their data is. They can therefore put certain protections in place, something which they aren’t able to do when it is stored in a virtualised environment as it is in the cloud.

Data stored in the cloud is typically stored in a shared environment. Within any shared hosting the risk of others accessing your data is greater than when stored on a dedicated server. Where full encryption is not in place this is a particular concern. There is also a security risk when accessing services over the internet, as is the case with cloud computing.

Cloud hosting is very different to hosting data yourself. This can be a concern as data is being handed to someone else. It is therefore important to use a reputable provider where data should be in safe hands.

Privacy is something that can potentially be compromised. Anyone with the right permissions can log in from any location. If strong usernames and passwords are not used and there isn’t other authentication then there is the possibility of access being gained by unauthorised persons.

Security Benefits

As already mentioned, data being stored on multiple server can be worrying, but there are security benefits of this. If a server encounters problems then these can be counteracted by another server being able to take the load. In some instances an entire data centre could be offline without disruption. Where data is stored on one dedicated server and it goes offline, then data cannot be accessed until the issue has been resolved. When stored in the cloud and a data centre is impacted by a fire, for example, then data could still be accessed.

Storing data locally, for example on an individual laptop, has potential security issues that cloud computing can prevent. If the device is lost or stolen then everything is lost. If this data was instead stored in the cloud then it can still be accessed via another device.

Being able to gain access from anywhere is something else that can be a security benefit of cloud computing. If you urgently need to gain access then it doesn’t matter which location you are in – as long as you have an internet enabled device with an internet connection.

As can be seen in the points covered in this article, security can be both a challenge and a benefit of cloud computing. Overall, security is improving, and most of the potential problems can be protected against if the right security measures are put in place.

Andrew Marshall ©

Problems that can be Solved with Managed Hosting

A managed hosting solution is where hardware is leased to a client and the hosting service is managed by the hosting provider. This can include a wide range of management services, which vary from provider to provider. Services range from basic managed hosting to fully managed hosting, as more advanced offerings are sometimes referred to. Here we look at some examples of what can be included in a managed hosting package and some of the possible problems managed hosting can protect against.

Server Monitoring

One of the services that can be included within a managed hosting solution is server monitoring. Here, servers are scanned in an attempt to spot any possible failures. This means that any problems, and certainly major problems, can be protected against before they occur. This is preferable to a server failure that then has to be resolved while data can’t be accessed in the meantime.

Security

Security is always crucial and this is generally more robust with managed hosting. The hosting provider is responsible for insuring that your data is secure and will therefore put a number of security measures in place. These typically include firewalls and virus scanning.

Data Backup

The reason you may use a hosting company for data storage is that you want that data to be secure. If losing it will be catastrophic then opting for a managed hosting service is a good idea, partly due to the security reasons already mentioned. Another reason is that of data backup. With a managed hosting service, backup should be provided meaning, put simply, if you lose data there will be another copy.

Server Configuration and Maintenance

With a managed hosting solution, indeed with any dedicated hosting solution, a server is dedicated to a single client. It can, therefore, be configured to a client’s specific requirements, meaning it is better placed to meet the individual challenges you may face. This gives it an advantage over shared hosting, where there will be more of a generic configuration that can work for a variety of the hosting providers clients. As well as server configuration, the server will also be maintained. Just like a car that is regularly serviced, this means it will be more likely to run smoothly in the long term.

Support

Some would describe support as the key benefit of managed hosting. Support is available if any issues arise. If you have any problems or concerns you should be able to easily contact your provider. This may be via a control panel, email, an instant messaging service, or even via telephone. They should be able to offer you the assistance you need. This ultimately means that where you have any problems there should be experts on hand who can resolve them. Where any issues are urgent, this support should be immediately available as it is usually available on a 24/7 basis.

There are many benefits to managed hosting. The very nature of hosting, and the technology behind it, means that there is the possibility of problems arising. In many cases, though, these are less likely to occur, and more likely to be resolved where they do, under a managed hosting solution.

Andrew Marshall © 

How Paying via Mobile Phone is becoming more common

Mobile phones have made a huge impact on society over the last fifteen years or so. Two decades ago they were a rare site but now almost everyone owns one. Over this period there has been a big shift in the way that mobile phones are used as their technology has developed. They are no longer simply telephones, where you can make and receive calls and text messages, but they now also serve as cameras, MP3 players and web browsers. 

One task mobile phones can be used for these days is to pay for products and services. Of course, any payment that can be made over the telephone can be done via a mobile phone, but there have also been other initiatives developed that make certain forms of payment simpler. Some of these are where payments are made via a credit or debit card, whereas in other circumstances it can be added to a phone bill. 

One of the most common payments that can be made via a mobile phone is for parking, something that could, in most cases, only have been done with cash in the past. This was often a problem as you needed the exact change, something that is resolved when paying via a mobile phone. This is done by calling the given number from the car park and choosing the number id given to that car park. Payment is then taken from a debit or credit card. It can be set up so once you’ve used this system once it is much quicker and simpler thereafter. 

Many charities have promoted donations via text messaging, as making donations easier means people are more likely to give. Certain charity donations can be made by simply sending a text message to the relevant number. The user is charged for the text message plus a pre-determined amount. For example, if their text message rate is 12p, then £5.12 will be added to their phone bill with £5 of this going directly to the charity. Charities including Children in Need and Comic Relief have set up this type of payment. 

Contactless payments is something that has started to be introduction recently. Here, people can make small payments (usually less than £10) by holding their card briefly against a reader and it will take the payment without the need of a PIN or signature. Technology has been developed so contactless payments can be made using a mobile phone. Although this is still in its infancy it is available in conjunction with some banks. Payments are made by holding a phone up against a reader. 

Another mobile phone assisted payment that is likely to grow in use in the future is paying an individual or a small business. Technology has been created that allows someone to transfer funds from their bank account, via online banking on a mobile phone, to pay another person just by using their mobile phone number if they, too, are set up with this capability. 

The number of payment methods available via a mobile phone is increasing. More technologies are being developed, therefore increasing the type of payments that can be made in this way. This trend can be expected to continue in the future. 

Andrew Marshall ©

Methods used to Pay with Mobile Phone have increased in recent years and is likely to continue in the future. 

How Shutters can Complement the Interior of a Room

Both interior and exterior window shutters can add elegance to a home. Exterior shutters can be used to protect a home against the natural elements while giving it an aesthetically pleasing look from the outside, while interior shutters allow control over the amount of air and light entering a room at any given time. They can also be chosen so that they complement the interior décor.

There are many benefits to interior window shutters, in terms of both practicality and design. Home owners can control the temperature of a room by opening and closing the shutter louvres, also known as slats, as required to let in the optimum amount of air and light. There are a wide range of design and colour choices with shutters and, by choosing carefully, people can ensure their shutters fit well with the interior of a room.  

For rooms with a summery feel full-height shutters are a good choice. They cover the entire window, with louvres running from top to bottom. They are ideal for tall windows or exterior doors. They allow for letting in a large amount of sunlight when required, so they can complement the summery atmosphere of the inside of a room. These are ideally light colours, such as yellows or whites.

Light coloured shutters generally go well with interiors that are bright and cheery, such as pinks and yellows. In these instances dark shutters would not fit well with the décor of the rest of the room.

For a room with a homely and cosy feel the style of shutters should give a warm feeling. Solid shutters can work here, even though they may not be as practically beneficial. Wooden shutters work best, possibly with a natural wood colour. Solid shutters can also suit rooms with black or grey furnishings. Here though, darker colours, such as dark reds, may work best.

Where pine furnishing has been used, dark shutters will not work. Their colour should be similar to the furniture, with a natural wood colour working best. Louvred shutters will work better than solid ones, as light entering the room will complement the furnishing style. Traditional or old fashioned interiors will benefit from natural wood grain colours; if they are too bright they will clash with the rest of the room.

If shutters are to be installed in an office, then in the majority of cases white, or similar colours, will work best. They will give a clean, professional look. This is particular the case if the office is decorated in natural colours, as is usually the case.

There are many choices of design and colour for window shutters. If installed, they become a real part of the interior of a room to the same extent as a piece of furniture or the walls. Therefore, it is important to choose some that fully complement the interior of a room and improve its design. Both practical and design elements should be taken into consideration when choosing which window shutters to go for.

Andrew Marshall ©

Why More Divorce at Christmas?

Christmas is the time to be jolly! That’s right, isn’t it? Well, that isn’t always the case for everyone. While for many of us it is the time of year that we get together with our families, surrounded by exited children and enjoying each other’s company, for some it is not such as happy time. Contrary to the popular notion of Christmas joy, the festive period is when many couples begin to think about separating.

In many cases Christmas seems to be a catalyst for divorce. Generally, divorce solicitors report more enquiries regarding separations in January than at any other time of the year, with many of these eventually leading to a permanent separation. So, what are the reasons that so many begin to consider divorce over Christmas or soon after.

One theory is that some families spend “too much time together” at this time of year. That isn’t to say they spend more time together than other families but that either they are not used to being together so much, or there are underlying problems meaning spending time together highlights these issues. Some people are very busy throughout the year and don’t spend too much time together as a family, or at least not continuously. Suddenly at Christmas they are spending all of their time together, which can be difficult. Things that may have been stewing under the surface can suddenly boil over and arguments can begin. Things that may not be particularly noticeable when they aren’t spending a large amount of time together become major points of conflict. This can lead some to realise that their relationship isn’t really working. If couples are doing more together, and making more decisions together, it can lead to more disagreements.

The thought of a new year and a new beginning is something that encourages people to think about the future. For those who don’t believe their marriage is all that they hoped this can lead them to do something about it. This can go either way. They might decide to really try to work on their marriage to resolve any problems, or to move on and seek a divorce. There is also the new hope of a new year, something that doesn’t always prove to be a reality. With a new year beginning some become more determined that their marriage will work. However, just because the calendar changes from one year to the next does not mean that a struggling marriage turns into a blissful one. The realisation of this can be difficult, and can therefore lead to thoughts of divorce.

Some hope Christmas will change the fortunes of their marriage. Couples may know things are not going well but hope that Christmas will help them; that a week or two off work and spending time together will improve their relationship. While this can be true in some cases, if often isn’t. Deep-rooted problems are not resolved by spending a little time together. Sometimes Christmas is the last hope and when this doesn’t work they realise that ending the relationship is for the best.

Ultimately Christmas doesn’t cause divorce. A happy couple don’t suddenly become unhappy over the Christmas period. It can, though, put the spotlight on any issues that are leading to an unsuccessful marriage and make people realise they are in a relationship doomed to failure.

Andrew Marshall ©

For more information on divorce and family law visit Divorce Solicitors London or Family Solicitors London.