Crime Checks on people in contact with children

12th January 2010

Criminal Checks on People in Contact with Children

Originally there had been plans for around 11 million people working with children to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) and to have criminal record checks undertaken. This was with a view to protecting children from the risk of contact with paedophiles.

The government has now agreed to water down these rules, and it is thought that the new rules will apply to about only 9 million people.

For example the checks will now only involve those who have regular, frequent or intensive access to children.

The minimum age of registration is being changed, so that it does not include 16, 17 and 18 year olds in education who help out with school activities. Furthermore parents who host children on exchange visits of less than 28 days will no longer need to register.

The Association of School and College Leavers said that these changes were “a victory for common sense”.

Individuals will be able to apply to register from July 2010. Registration and criminal records checks for those affected by the rules will become mandatory from November 2010.

It will cost £64 to register but volunteers will have their fees waived. The scheme involves individuals undergoing basic criminal record checks, but does not look for malpractice or convictions if they are not relevant. The scheme is being phased across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A separate but similar scheme will be introduced in Scotland at some point in the New Year. Anyone barred in any part of the UK will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults anywhere else.

Daven Naghen commented “I agree with the Association of School and College Leavers that this relaxation of the vetting rules will allow there to be a system that is much more proportionate to the risk involved. The previous system would have simply been over zealous, for example most if not all visitors to a school would have had to undergone a criminal record check.”

If you require any advice or further information on this matter then please contact Daven Naghen.

Stamp Duty Changes from 1st April 2025

In accordance with Government Announcement on the 30th October 2024 from 1st April 2025, there will be several changes coming into effect.
Please note if you complete after 1 April 2025 then these changes could impact the stamp duty rate applicable to you even if you have exchanged contracts already.

Thresholds up to 31 March 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £250,000 for residential properties
- £425,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £625,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

Thresholds from 1 April 2025

SDLT starts to apply when you buy property that costs:
- £125,000 for residential properties
- £300,000 for first-time buyers buying a residential property worth £500,000 or less
- £150,000 for non-residential land and properties

You can visit the gov.uk website and search Stamp Duty Land Tax where you will find further information and a calculator to enable you to calculate the rate and amount payable.

To discuss any Conveyancing matters please contact either Donna Sandison or Laura Day of our Conveyancing Team or telephone the office 01775 722261.

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