The National Data Guardian for Health and Social Care (NDG) is seeking views on revision and expansion of the seven existing Caldicott Principles in an open consultation which was launched on 25 June 2020. The NDG also proposes use of statutory powers to issue guidance…
In a move designed to assist people who are isolating or shielding due to Covid-19, the Government has announced plans to change the law to allow Wills to be witnessed virtually in England and Wales. This is a significant development…
The Government has today, 22 July 2020, published guidance on visits to care homes. This had been anticipated for some time, but in view of the delay, previous guidance had been issued by the Care Providers Association (“CPA”). The guidance has…
Many individuals and businesses have experienced unprecedented challenges due to the restrictions imposed by the UK government in response to Covid-19. Significant reductions in income and, in some cases, temporary suspensions of trading have led to cashflow crises. Thanks to…
Julia Appleton, Partner, Healthcare Providers writes about the challenges ahead for care homes and providers during the Covid-19 pandemic. This article was published in Care Home Management in its July/August 2020 edition. Click here to read the article. …
The Chancellor delivered the Summer 2020 Economic Update on 8 July 2020, announcing a number of measures to support businesses including: Job Retention Bonus Once the coronavirus job retention scheme finishes at the end of October, businesses will be able to claim…
The possibility of an inquiry into the country’s response to the coronavirus is something that has been raised with increasing frequency. The number of deaths in care homes alone is clearly a tragedy that needs careful consideration: some have suggested…
The ICO has published guidance on Covid -19 workplace testing and monitoring. Whilst some organisations have been engaged in testing for several weeks now, others are planning to return to the workplace and have questions about what is and isn’t…
All providers will be aware that CQC has stopped undertaking routine inspections during the period of the pandemic, limiting on-site inspections to cases of high risk. Instead, their monitoring function has been carried out using the Emergency Support Framework, which…
The higher rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (‘SDLT’) apply in England and Wales when a second property is purchased under certain conditions. It is possible to re-claim the higher rate of SDLT, which is effectively a 3% surcharge, if…
