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NLJ this week: Gold on Awaab’s Law & digital divorce

17 October 2025
Issue: 8135 / Categories: Legal News , Civil way , Procedure & practice
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In this week's issue, Stephen Gold, NLJ columnist and former district judge, surveys another eclectic fortnight in procedure. With humour and humanity, he reminds readers that beneath the procedural dust, the law still changes lives

Family lawyers gain new online powers as FPR PD 41G now allows digital applications for service orders, while legal advisers can authorise bailiff service—a cheap but uncertain option, he quips. In pensions, a tribunal judge’s six-year wait for correction earned him £3,000 from the Ministry of Justice, but no sympathy.

The headline act, however, is ‘Awaab’s Law’: from 27 October 2025, social landlords must fix serious hazards like damp and mould within strict timeframes or face breach actions under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. Gold hails the regulations as a milestone for tenants’ rights—though a compliance nightmare for landlords.

Issue: 8135 / Categories: Legal News , Civil way , Procedure & practice
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NEWS
The government’s landmark Employment Rights Act 2025 met its pre-Christmas deadline, ushering in sweeping changes to the law
Barristers and advocates in Scotland, England and Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have urged the government to drop its proposals for judge-only ‘swift courts’ in cases where the sentence is three years or less
The practice guidance on non-molestation orders has been updated and replaced, and guidance issued on protective injunctions
Criminal silk Kirsty Brimelow KC, of Doughty Street Chambers, has taken over the reins at the Bar Council, succeeding family silk Barbara Mills KC
Lawyers have welcomed the government’s long-awaited announcement of legislation to reverse PACCAR but warned plans for light-touch regulation could cause delays
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