Acquisitions in the shadow of a Compulsory Purchase Order - Michael explored the acquisition of land by a public body by private treaty, whilst under the threat of a potential or pending Compulsory Purchase Order. Key issues were discussed including the Compensation Code and the potential pitfalls to be aware of in transactions involving these circumstances.
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) relief for the public sector - Alex, a specialist tax lawyer, provided a brief overview of the basic SDLT rules as well as summarising the common, public bodies SDLT reliefs that are available.
Update on the High Street Rental Auctions process - Eleanor discussed the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) response to the recent consultation on High Street Rental Auctions, which sought views on matters that will form part of the policy and introduced in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. She explored key takeaways of the consultation and DLUHC's response, including that up to eight local authorities, known as "Trailblazers", will be early adopters of the policy, working closely with DLUHC to promote and champion the new powers.
Achieving positive outcomes in our communities - Clare from our DWF Foundation talked about DWF's purpose to deliver positive outcomes with our colleagues, clients and communities and how we are achieving this. This includes our 5 Star Futures programme, working with schools to inspire young people to achieve their full potential through the DWF Foundation, which provides grants to charities under the themes of education, employability, health and wellbeing, homelessness, and environment and sustainability.
