April 2018
Northern Powerhouse storms ALEP's Mastermind & Mojitos annual quiz night
ALEP members enjoyed a night of Mastermind and Mojitos at ALEP's fifth annual quiz night, which raised more than £500 for charity.
Held at The Gable, Moorgate more than 90 members attended this year's competition making it our most popular quiz night to date!
This year's champions were first time winners, the 'Northern Powerhouse' team from Anthony Gold Solicitors and Freshlaw (part of Cubism Law) - congratulations to you all!
Read full articleALEP statement in response to the Law Commission's Terms of Reference announcement - 20.04.18
"The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) welcomes the Law Commission's Terms of Reference announced today, which relate to the future of residential leasehold and Commonhold.
"The Terms of Reference set out policy objectives identified by Government for the Law Commission's Thirteenth Programme of Law Reform. These include more transparency and fairness in the residential leasehold sector, and better deals for leaseholders as consumers. Commonhold is another area to be re-examined and the Law Commission will look at how to implement it as a workable alternative to leasehold – for both new and existing homes.
"The Terms of Reference highlight the intricacies of leasehold and commonhold, and it is clear that better education is needed - particularly for those starting their careers who may need additional support in navigating the complexities of leasehold enfranchisement.
"ALEP's ethos is about promoting best practice and all members are encouraged to uphold standards within the enfranchisement sector. Coming together for regular member events throughout the year enables members to discuss topical issues – for example, Commonhold was the subject of our February Lecture.
"It is a positive step that the Government and Law Commission are progressing the reforms, and ALEP will continue to play an intrinsic role in further consultation and discussions regarding the implementation of these.
"Solutions for leasehold houses are due to be published by the Government before the end of July, with a detailed consultation on a new enfranchisement regime for leasehold houses and flats taking place in September.
"We eagerly await updates and the final report which is due to be published in 2019."
Read full articleFebruary 2018
Sell-out ALEP lecture debates all aspects of Commonhold as call for evidence is announced
Hours before the Law Commission published a Call for Evidence on the subject of
Commonhold Law, over 150 professionals from the leasehold enfranchisement sector
debated the issue at a lecture held by the Association of Leasehold
Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) in central London.
Call for Evidence: Law Commission
Following the ALEP Commonhold Lecture last week, and as part of our ongoing consultation with the Law Commission, ALEP has been asked to support its Call for Evidence with regards to Commonhold.
We have been asked by Professor Nick Hopkins, Law Commissioner, to request participation by our members.
Read full articleJanuary 2018
Mundy v. the Trustees of the Sloane Stanley Estate) - ALEP response 24 January 2018
A response from ALEP - written by Mark Chick, ALEP Director and Partner, Bishop & Sewell LLP
The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) has been eagerly awaiting the outcome in the Appeal of the so-called ‘Mundy’ case, (Mundy v. the Trustees of the Sloane Stanley Estate).
The Court of Appeal has today dismissed the appeal made by tenants in this case. The applicants were seeking to argue for a radically different way of calculating relativity, following on from their unsuccessful attempt to encourage the Upper Tribunal to do so in the original decision of that tribunal.
December 2017
ALEP welcomes Eleanor Murray as Solicitor Committee member
The directors and committee of ALEP extend a warm welcome to Eleanor Murray, Head of Enfranchisement and Residential Disputes at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, who joins ALEP as a solicitor committee member.
Read full articleHonorary Secretary’s Report
Honorary Secretary’s Report
Read full articleOctober 2017
Sell out ALEP conference sees delegates call for more 'enfranchisement education'
The Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (ALEP) hosted its first ever annual conference on Monday 9 October 2017 at The Barbican Centre, London.
Following feedback from ALEP members, the new-look conference format was split into morning and afternoon sessions, with delegates able to attend either session or the entire event. Topical debate and interactive voting featured in presentations delivered by expert speakers offering a comprehensive insight into the sector's intricacies.
Read full articleAugust 2017
BISHOP & SEWELL AND FISHER MEREDITH AGREE TO MERGE
The Partners of Bishop & Sewell and Fisher Meredith are pleased to announce that Fisher Meredith has joined forces and merged with Bishop & Sewell. The combined practice will operate as “Bishop & Sewell LLP” with effect from 14 August 2017.
Read full articleJuly 2017
Leasehold Houses and Ground Rents: A response from ALEP
ALEP welcomes the announcement by Sajid Javid that the government plans for leasehold reform
include banning ground rents for new leasehold houses. Members of ALEP have been aware of, and commenting on, these issues for some considerable time and it is good to see that the government has confirmed its commitment to address the leasehold issues highlighted in its White Paper.