Insights

Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban: Possible Implications for Investors
Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban: Possible Implications for Investors 1000 563 James Hallam

On 10 July 2025, the UK Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This bill is intended to give local governments across England “unprecedented powers to deliver growth”.

One of the proposals in this bill is a ban on upward-only rent review clauses in commercial leases.

In this post we will outline the implications of this possible new law, and assess how they might affect landlords and investors.

What is an Upwards-Only Rent Review?

This is a clause in a commercial leasing contract that allows the property owner or landlord to adjust the rent at set intervals, but only if the market rent has increased. The rent will stay the same if the market rent has stayed the same, or if it has decreased.

This means that, at the point of review, the rent can either stay the same, or it can increase. But it can never decrease, not even if the overall market is in a bad state.

Why Is The Government Looking to Ban Upwards-Only Rent Reviews?

The above situation is good for landlords and investors, as it guarantees that rental income from commercial properties can never decrease, no matter how bad the overall market conditions get.

Upwards-only rent reviews are not so good for tenants, though. There is a risk that they may get locked into paying expensive rents even during economic downturns.

The government is hoping that this new law would help high streets through making it more economically viable for retailers and other businesses to operate through unstable markets.

Who Would an Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban Apply To?

The new law would ban upwards-only rent reviews on new commercial leases. Under the proposed new law, at the point of review, a tenant’s rent could decrease in line with market rents at the point of review.

Existing leases would not be affected by this new bill. Nor would lease agreements that are finalised before the new law comes into force.

The law would apply to leases on premises occupied by tenants for business purposes. The new rules may not apply to headleases who sublet their premises to a single business, or to multiple businesses.

How Would an Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban Affect Investors and Landlords?

This new bill would have a number of effects, including:

  • Tenants will get more powers and more flexibility, and many may get more affordable rents as a result.
  • Landlords will lose income certainty. Some may choose to set higher initial fixed rents to counter the uncertainty, and others may choose to revise their lease structures and agreements to give themselves more flexibility.
  • Investors will face increased risks with the rental properties in their portfolio. Some may choose to invest in overseas properties instead of UK properties as a result.

In short, this new bill would mean that landlords and investors would no longer be able to depend on stable or increased rental income during times of economic downturn.

The new rights for tenants that the bill would introduce includes the ability for tenants to take action against high rents. If the landlord chooses not to review the rent, the tenant could take any action necessary to trigger a rent review. So, if the market is falling, and the tenant feels they are paying too much rent, they could force their landlords to take action.

In response, landlords may choose to introduce stepped or fixed rental increases in their contracts, as the ban only applies to open-market rent review clauses. Or they may switch to an index-linked review model, where rental adjustments will be based on inflation rather than market rents.

When Would This Law Come Into Force?

The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons. It could take up to 12 months from now for the bill to pass through the parliamentary process, and there may be amendments before it is passed.

If the bill does pass, it will not apply retrospectively. It will only apply to new commercial leasing contracts.

If you would like to know more about the potential consequences of this bill, you can read the government’s impact assessment.

Real Estate Business Insurance You Can Depend On

This new law would represent a significant reform for UK leasing laws. It could empower tenants in the long-term, but there may be a lot of uncertainty for landlords and investors in the short-term.

At James Hallam, we can help you ensure your real estate business is ready to weather any potential rough waters. We are an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in protecting your real estate business.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

Construction Skills Shortage: The Impact of Worker Shortages
Construction Skills Shortage: The Impact of Worker Shortages 1000 667 James Hallam

The UK has been dealing with a construction skills shortage for some years now. The latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook report suggests that the UK needs 47,860 extra construction workers per year for the 2025-2029 period. This is a total of 293,300 extra workers over the next five years.

In this post we will outline the underlying causes for the UK’s construction skills shortage. We will also explore the impact this shortage is having on the sector.

Why Is There a Construction Skills Shortage in the UK?

There are a number of underlying causes for the UK’s construction skills shortage:

Aging Workforce: Too Many Retirees, Too Few New Recruits

A recent CITB Workforce Skills and Mobility in the Construction Sector report revealed that:

  • 50% of the UK’s construction workforce is aged 25 to 44.
  • 25% are aged 45 to 59.
  • Just 19% of the workforce are aged 25 or under.

Each year, more and more of these workers will reach retirement age, meaning that more people leave the sector than join it.

Changing Expectations of Work

During lockdown, many people got used to a more flexible way of working. As large parts of the workforce were working from home, many workers were relatively free to choose how and when they wanted to work.

Traditionally, the construction sector has not offered such flexibility, which may be putting off a lot of people from entering the sector.

Bad Reputation and Negative Perceptions

Construction has a reputation for being physically demanding, dirty, and unsafe. None of this is necessarily true, but this persisting perception may be turning away many potential candidates.

Many may also believe that construction work is poorly paid. Again, this is not necessarily the case. A recent CIOB report suggested that many construction workers earn around £33,000 a year, which is higher than the average annual earnings in many other sectors.

Global Events

Brexit brought an end to free movement from Europe to the UK, which may have impacted the construction sector, as recruiters struggle to access the international workforce. Similarly, the sector may still be feeling the effects of lockdown. Many who left the sector may not have returned once restrictions were lifted.

The Impact of Worker Shortages on the Construction Industry

The worker shortage means that the construction sector as a whole will face:

  • Project delays caused by a struggle to meet demand
  • Burnout for anyone who works in the sector due to overworking.
  • Rise in mistakes and accidents because tired and stressed construction workers may be more likely to make mistakes, which could lead to more on-the-job accidents.
  • Rising costs from errors that may need reworking, which may also drive up the cost of insurance for construction firms.
  • Difficulties in staff retention caused by an overstretched workforce, which of course would exacerbate the problem for many businesses.

Government Plans to Address The Construction Skills Shortage

In March 2025, the government revealed its plan to “unleash the next generation of construction workers”, with an aim to build 1.5 million new homes.

The aim is to recruit and train up to 60,000 more specialist construction workers by 2029. This is less than 25% of the 293,300 new workers the latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook report suggests that the UK needs.

What Can You Do To Deal With A Staff or Skills Shortage in Your Construction Business?

This is not the sort of problem you will be able to solve overnight. But there are a number of strategies you can adopt to help your construction business deal with staff shortages and high turnover.

  • Offer flexibility where you can. The tight schedules of many construction projects mean you cannot offer the same flexibility that employees enjoy in certain other sectors. But you could still help your staff enjoy a better work/life balance through being as flexible as possible – with part-time or job-sharing opportunities, staggered start and end times, and through giving workers more say in when they take their breaks.
  • A focus on wellbeing. Support your employees in any way you can. Look to introduce the sort of benefits and initiatives that encourage wellbeing, and aim to reward loyalty and high performance. The aim is not just to support your staff, but also to dispel the myth that construction work is inherently difficult and unrewarding.
  • Build a better construction culture. Treat your staff well, offer competitive pay and other rewards, and be as flexible as possible, and over time the word might spread that you are an employer that respects your staff. This could help with recruitment and retention in the long-term.

Specialist Insurance Cover For Construction Firms

At James Hallam, we can help you protect your construction business with specialist risk management and insurance support.

We are an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

What Should Be In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy?
What Should Be In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy? 1000 667 James Hallam

Under UK law, every business must have a health and safety policy. In a restaurant or café, a health and safety policy can help prevent many common accidents and injuries. It can also help you ensure that your staff will know what to do should anything ever go wrong.

In this post we will outline the key components of a restaurant health and safety policy.

Key Health and Safety Risks in a Restaurant

  • Food and Drink Risks – Unless you follow stringent hygiene practices, your customers could get ill from eating your food.
  • Fire – Restaurants have more fire hazards than many other businesses, including open flames, electricals, and numerous flammable substances. These can cause burns and scalds for your staff, along with more serious fire outbreaks that could affect your entire premises.
  • Knives and Sharp Objects – Some members of staff will need to handle sharp objects as part of the work, whether this is in food preparation or in washing and storing utensils. Broken glassware is another major hazard, which can affect both your staff and your customers.
  • Slips and Trips – Restaurants and their kitchens can be cluttered and chaotic places. A spillage, or a misplaced item in a walkway, could result in a slip or a trip. And if a waiter falls while carrying a trayful of food or drinks, the damage could be considerable.

What Should You Include In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy?

When compiling your restaurant health and safety policy, you should start with a thorough risk assessment.

How to do a Restaurant Risk Assessment

Identify all of the possible risks to both staff and to members of the public, and consider the steps you could take to mitigate those risks. The steps you outline will form the basis of your health and safety policy.

Restaurant Capacity

The more people there are in your restaurant at any one time, the greater the chances are that something will go wrong. It is important to:

  • Set a maximum cap for the number of people who can be in your restaurant at any one time.
  • Set a cap for your venue space, if you ever host events such as weddings in your restaurant.

Setting a maximum capacity can help prevent slips, trips, and falls, as it can ensure that your restaurant will never get so crammed that staff and customers will struggle to move.

Fire Safety

  • Make sure at least one member of staff gets dedicated fire safety training, and appoint them as your restaurant’s fire marshal.
  • Identify your restaurant’s fire escapes, and ensure that all fire escape routes remain clear of obstructions at all times.
  • Ensure that there are appropriate fire safety signs and equipment throughout your restaurant.

Staff Training

Your health and safety policy should detail all of the training you require your staff to undertake. As we mentioned above, this should include:

  • Fire marshal training for at least one member of staff
  • Essentials of fire safety briefing for all employees
  • Appropriate First Aid training for a dedicated first aid responder, which you should appoint.
  • Where necessary, staff should receive training on safely handling potentially hazardous objects such as knives and cooking appliances.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in the restaurant environment, as it can stop fires from spreading while clearing areas of smoke and other hazardous substances should a fire break out. Proper ventilation can also prevent germs and other infections from spreading among both staff and customers.

For more information on ventilation regulations in catering establishments, read the HSE guidance.

Health and Safety Checklist

Finally, your restaurant health and safety policy should include a checklist to help you ensure that you have measures in place to address all of the common risks you face in your catering business. Complying with this checklist will also help you pass your routine health and safety inspections whenever a Food Safety or Environmental Health Officer visits.

Here are some of the items you should include on this checklist:

  • The entire restaurant is clean, with no pests.
  • You regularly clean all equipment to professional standards, with separate sinks for washing equipment and hands.
  • You comply with all food storage requirements, ensuring that your fridges and freezers are at the right temperature. There is also a stock control system in place, to ensure that you never store, prepare, or sell food once it has expired.
  • You have a cleaning procedure in place which includes guidance on the use of cleaning products, along with the use such as protective equipment such as hair nets where necessary.
  • There is a first aid kit available, along with at least one member of staff who knows how to apply essential first aid. You also have all necessary fire safety signage and equipment, with a trained fire marshal onsite at all times.

Get Specialist Insurance Cover For Your Restaurant

Your health and safety policy can help you manage many of the common risks associated with running a restaurant. But if anything does go wrong, then dedicated restaurant insurance can give you all the cover you need.

Read our full guide to restaurant insurance.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you get a specialist restaurant insurance package that truly meets your needs at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance?
Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance? 1000 665 James Hallam

Anyone who is involved in the motor trade in any capacity should consider getting specialist motor trade insurance. This will cover you for many of the risks that all businesses face, along with the unique motor trade risks that many other businesses never have to think about.

What is Motor Trade Insurance?

Motor trade insurance is dedicated cover for professionals involved in the motor trade.

A motor trade insurance package can cover many standard business risks, such as:

  • Public and employer’s liability cover
  • Premises and contents cover
  • Industry-specific risks. For example, road risk insurance can cover you and your staff to drive customers’ vehicles to and from your premises.

Read our full guide to what motor trade insurance is, and what it covers, here.

Who Needs Motor Trade Insurance?

Any business involved in the motor trade sector should consider getting specialist motor trade insurance, including:

  • MOT testing centres.
  • Car dealerships – whether you are selling new cars or used cars, and whether you run a small independent dealerships or a nationwide franchise.
  • Car detailers and valets.
  • Auto-electricians.
  • Vehicle diagnostic specialists.
  • Tyre and exhaust fitters.

Do I Need Motor Trade Insurance?

Yes, you need dedicated cover to protect your business against the unique risks associated with the motor trade.

You have a legal obligation to get some forms of cover:

  • Employer’s Liability Insurance: If you employ any staff, you need employer’s liability cover. This will cover your staff for any accidents or injuries they sustain on the job.
  • Road Risk Insurance: It is illegal to drive any vehicle on UK roads without at least third party vehicle insurance in place. If you need to move customers’ vehicles as part of your work – whether this is to move them around your premises, or to transport them to and from your premises – then you will need at least third party road risk cover.
  • Buildings insurance: You may be required to get some form of premises or buildings cover as part of your leasing agreement.

Beyond this, there is no legal requirement to get any insurance. However, if you do not have appropriate cover in place, then even a small mistake could potentially bring your entire business down.

What Happens If I Do Not Have Motor Trade Insurance?

Think about the following situations:

  • Pay out of pocket for legal fees and compensation: A customer is dissatisfied with your work, or a system or component you have worked on subsequently fails. This customer may make a claim against you with allegations of negligence or poor workmanship. Without professional liability cover in place, you would be personally liable to cover all subsequent legal fees and compensation payments.
  • Cover loss or damage to tools: Thieves break into your garage in the night and steal or damage your tools and equipment. Contents insurance could cover you for this loss or damage. But without this cover, would you be able to afford repairs or replacements?
  • Pay for damage caused by fire or flood: A fire or a flood breaks out at your garage. Would you be able to afford the necessary repairs? And would you be able to survive the loss of income while your garage is closed for the duration of the repairs?

Motor trade insurance could cover you for all of these scenarios, and more. With comprehensive insurance in place, you could rest assured that you will be covered for almost anything, leaving you free to focus on your business.

Specialist Motor Trade Insurance Services From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you understand the unique risks you face as a motor trade business, before helping you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

 

Can You Share CCTV Footage on Social Media?
Can You Share CCTV Footage on Social Media? 1000 667 James Hallam

Generally speaking, it is not a good idea to share CCTV footage on social media. In this post we will assess the legal and ethical factors you should take into consideration before you think about sharing CCTV footage on either your personal or your business social media accounts.

Why Would You Want To Share CCTV Footage on Social Media?

If you are a shopkeeper or business owner, you might capture footage of thieves, vandals, or antisocial behaviour on your CCTV. And you might think about sharing this footage on social media.

Sharing CCTV footage on social media might help to identify the criminals, and it could even act as a strong deterrent against future crime. After all, if people know that you are filming them, and that you are willing to name and shame perpetrators, maybe they will think twice about causing trouble on your premises in the future.

But not so fast. There are numerous reasons why you should think twice before you share CCTV footage on social media.

Is Sharing CCTV Footage Illegal?

There are laws in place surrounding how you capture, store, and use CCTV footage. If you are a shopkeeper or a business owner, you need to consider:

Essentially, these are laws that were introduced to protect privacy. The footage you gather on your CCTV could be classed as personal data, in that it could be used to identify people. As a result, it may be illegal for you to share such data in any way – such as through posting CCTV footage on social media.

Share CCTV footage without consent and you could end up in court on a breach of privacy charge.

The Risk of Defamation

If you share CCTV footage on social media, and ask your followers to help you identify the people in it, then there is no guarantee that the right people will be identified.

If an innocent person gets labelled as a criminal as a result of your actions, then they could make a claim against you on the grounds of defamation. This would inevitably lead to expensive legal fees, and you may eventually have to pay significant damages.

It Could Damage Your Reputation

If you get involved in legal trouble as a result of your actions, as well as incurring considerable costs, you may also damage your reputation. If you share footage of theft or other crimes that occurred at your business, what if you send the wrong message?

You might think that sharing CCTV footage on social media will help you find justice, but it could also backfire, as:

  • People may be unwilling to patronise a business that does not appear to value privacy
  • People may look at this footage and conclude that it is not safe to spend any time on your premises
  • It could alienate your existing customers and lead to publish backlash

How To Manage Your CCTV Footage

If you capture a crime on CCTV, do not be tempted to post it on social media. Instead, send it directly to the police.

The police will then be able to use this footage in their investigations. In some cases, sharing CCTV footage might be viewed as being in the public’s best interest, in which case the police might advise you to share it in any way you can, including on social media.

However, you should only share this footage if you have been specifically advised by the police to do so. Prematurely sharing the footage could compromise the police investigation. It could alert suspects that they have been spotted, which could encourage them to destroy evidence, or even ramp up their criminal activity.

Preventing Theft and Other Crimes on Your Business Premises

We have numerous guides on our website designed to help a variety of business owners reduce the risk of theft on their premises:

Get Dedicated SME Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business.

We can help you get the cover you need at a truly competitive price, which will help you recover from any profit losses you experience as a result of theft.

Learn more about our specialist insurance services here.

What Insurance Do Publishers Need?
What Insurance Do Publishers Need? 1000 638 James Hallam

If you are involved in any kind of publishing, whether it is books, newspapers, magazines, or digital publishing, then you need specialist insurance to cover you for the unique risks you face in your business.

In this post we will outline the key insurance products that publishers should consider, including:

  • Professional indemnity insurance
  • Public and employers liability insurance
  • Buildings and contents insurance
  • Cyber insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance For Publishers

As a publisher, many people will rely on you for your professional advice and expertise. If any of your clients ever experience financial loss having followed your advice, they may make a claim against you. You may also face claims from others with allegations of:

  • Negligence
  • Errors or omissions
  • Copyright infringement
  • Breach of contract

In this case, professional indemnity insurance can cover any legal fees, along with any compensation, that may be due. In this way, you can protect yourself against potentially significant losses, along with reputational damages that may arise as a result of the claim.

Public and Employer’s Liability Insurance

Employer’s liability insurance is a legal obligation if you employ any staff. This will cover your employees for any accidents and injuries they may experience while working for you.

Public liability insurance offers similar cover, but for members of the public who may be visiting your premises – whether they are existing or potential clients, tradespeople, delivery drivers, or others.

Public liability can also cover potential damages to third party property outside of the workplace – such as if you accidentally spill coffee on a client’s computer while visiting their premises, or you accidentally injure an attendee at a book launch or other event.

Product liability insurance may also be cover publishers wish to get, which could cover the costs associated with product recalls due to printing errors and other mistakes.

Buildings and Contents Insurance For Publishers

Buildings insurance can cover your business premises for damages caused by fire, theft, flood, vandalism, and more.

Contents insurance can cover your fixtures, fittings, and furniture for such losses, along with the equipment you use to do your job, including your laptops and smartphones.

If an incident such as a fire or a flood temporarily prevents you from operating your publishing business, then business interruption insurance can cover all of your overheads until you are able to get back on your feet.

Cyber Insurance For Publishers

Cybercrime is a real risk for all businesses. A publishing firm might be a prime target for a cyberattack, as cybercriminals know how much sensitive data you store on your systems. Plus, they might think of you as an easy target, as they might think you are unlikely to have taken any steps to secure your systems.

Cyber insurance cannot protect you against a cyberattack, but it can at least help you respond effectively. This specialist insurance can cover all of the costs associated with responding to a data breach, including:

  • Recovering your data
  • Securing your system
  • Notifying any affected third parties

Get Specialist Publishers Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your publishing business.

We can advise you on all of the risks you face as a professional publisher, and we can help you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025
Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025 1000 667 James Hallam

Growing numbers of Brits are buying beach huts across the country. If you are looking to buy your first beach hut, this post will provide a step-by-step guide to the process, from your initial research to the final sale.

Research Your Beach Hut Location

Where do you want your beach hut to be based? Somewhere close to you, so that you can escape to it every weekend throughout the summer? Or somewhere further away, so that you can base your full family holiday around your beach hut?

One thing to consider is that the prices of beach huts will vary across the country. So it might be worth deciding your budget before you pick your location.

Make a shortlist of possible locations, and be sure to spend some time in each location before you make any final decisions. Take in the local amenities, and try to get a feel for the atmosphere and the community in the area.

Finally, contact the local council. Certain councils might impose certain restrictions on beach hut ownership, and you may have to get their permission before you make any changes to the hut.

Should You Buy a Freehold or Leasehold Beach Hut?

You may have to choose between a freehold or a leasehold beach hut:

  • Freehold – You own both the structure and the land it is built on. This would give you the freedom to do essentially anything with the hut. However, freehold beach huts tend to be expensive, and comparatively rare.
  • Leasehold – These are managed by local councils, and there are often tight restrictions on how you can use the hut, along with lengthy waiting lists to get a hut. Some councils only allow local residents to purchase their leasehold beach huts, but others will be a bit more flexible. The upside is that leasehold beach huts tend to be a lot cheaper than freehold beach huts.

Choose Your Hut

Once you have a budget and a location in mind, it is time to choose your beach hut.

If you want to get a leasehold beach hut, you will have to purchase it through the local council.

If you want to buy a freehold beach hut, you will have to do so through other channels, such as:

  • Find an estate agent that specialises in beach huts in your target area
  • Get in touch with the local beach hut association
  • Check online marketplaces, such as Facebook and eBay
  • Look at local classified ads in newspapers and newsagents

Be sure to view any potential hut before you agree to buy it. Get an idea of its condition, and think about whether you would need to do any work before you could start using the hut. Also think about how close it is to the nearest facilities and amenities. And perhaps most important of all, does it have a good view?

Finalising the Sale

If you are looking to purchase a leasehold beach hut, then you will pay whatever price the council wants you to pay.

But if you are looking to buy a freehold beach hut, you might be able to make an offer. Just remember that the current owner might have a lot of interest in their hut, so they may be considering multiple offers alongside yours.

If they accept your offer, you can then agree on the terms of your sale. This mainly means agreeing on a completion date, but you may also be able to agree on including certain items in the sale, such as fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

It may be useful to hire a solicitor to ensure that all of the paperwork is in order, and that you are not overlooking anything major. After this, it will just be a case of making the payment on your agreed terms, and getting all the documents and the keys on your completion date.

Taking Care Of Your Beach Hut

Once you have bought your beach hut, you will have to commit to ongoing maintenance. There are a number of reasons to do this:

  • It will keep your beach hut in good condition, ensuring that it will always remain a pleasant place to spend time.
  • It will help to protect your beach hut from the elements. A fresh coat of paint now and then can form an effective barrier against wind and rain over the winter.
  • Thieves and vandals may be more likely to target beaten and weathered beach huts. Keep yours in good condition and it might deter them.
  • Your insurer may require you to perform certain maintenance as part of your beach hut insurance

Read our essential guide to beach hut maintenance.

Get The Right Cover For Your Beach Hut

Just like any investment, it is a good idea to get adequate insurance cover for your beach hut.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

 

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?
Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties? 1000 867 James Hallam

In most cases, you have to pay council tax on every property you own, even if the property is currently empty or unoccupied. However, depending on your local council, you may be able to get a discount on council tax for any unoccupied properties you own.

What is an Unoccupied Property?

Usually, when we talk about empty or unoccupied properties, we might be referring to:

  • Homes that have been left vacant after the owner passes away.
  • Rental properties that do not currently have any tenants. This might include commercial properties as well as homes.
  • Second homes and holiday homes, which are only occupied at certain times of the year.

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?

Yes, you usually have to pay council tax on all properties you own or rent, even if they do not currently have anyone occupying them.

If your property is classed as a “second home”, then you may have to pay a second home premium, which can be up to two times the ordinary council tax rate.

If your property is empty for a long period of time, your council maybe be able to charge you up to 300% on top of the standard council tax rate.

It all depends on the local council. For more information, contact your local council to see what rates apply in your area. You may also be able to apply for a discount.

Unoccupied Property Council Tax Exemptions

First, certain individuals are exempt – or “disregarded” – from paying council tax. You must apply for exemption even if you meet the criteria. Head here for a full list of people who are eligible for council tax exemption.

Beyond this, there are permanent exemptions for certain types of second homes and empty properties:

  • If the property is an annex – that is, it forms part of the same property, and is being used as part of the main residence.
  • If the property is supplied by your employer to use as accommodation when working in a different area.
  • If certain local planning restrictions mean that you cannot use the property as a permanent residence.
  • The property is currently uninhabitable due to major repairs or renovations. In this case, you may have to supply evidence of the property’s condition, along with a timeline for the work, to qualify for discount or exemption.

Also, you can get a 12 month exemption from paying the second home premium if:

  • You are currently marketing the property for sale or to rent.
  • You have received a grant of probate for the property, and are therefore managing it as part of your duty as a will’s executor.

Please note that these exemptions, whether they are temporary or permanent, only apply to the second home premium. You may still have to pay the standard council tax rate, even if you meet the criteria.

Long-Term Empty Property Council Tax Premiums

Some councils will apply significant premiums if a property is left empty for a long-term period:

  • If the property is left empty for two years, you may have to pay double the standard rate.
  • After five years, you may have to pay triple the standard rate.
  • After 10 years, you may have to pay quadruple the standard rate.

This is why it is a good idea to sell or lease properties as quickly as possible. If you are a landlord and you are struggling to find suitable tenants, enlisting a letting agent could help you fill the property quicker so as to avoid these hefty premiums.

You may also be able to avoid these premiums through converting the property for commercial use. Commercial buildings may be subject to business rates rather than council tax, for which you may be able to get some tax relief.

How to Keep Your Empty Property Safe

Empty properties are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Plus, if anything goes wrong in the property, if there is nobody around to address the issue, even a small problem could quickly escalate into a full scale disaster. A small leak, for example, could spiral into a major escape of water situation.

No matter what your circumstances are, there are certain steps you should take to keep your empty property safe:

  • Invest in extra security, such as CCTV, alarms, and locks.
  • Use timers and motion-activated lights to make it look like someone is home.
  • Check on the property as often as possible, to look for any potential issues. You could also collect accumulating mail and take care of the bins, again to make it look like the home is occupied.
  • Appoint someone to check on your property for you, if you can’t. Some organisations offer dedicated property guardian schemes for this very purpose.
  • Consider turning the utilities off whenever you are not using the property. There may be risks associated with this, though – such as no power to supply your security systems, and a lack of heating leading to frozen pipes in the winter. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons first.
  • Get specialist insurance cover. Most home insurance properties will only cover occupied homes. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to get dedicated probate home insurance, second home insurance, holiday home insurance, or home renovation insurance.

Specialist Unoccupied Home Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your property at a competitive price.

We can help you get dedicated insurance to cover your unoccupied property, no matter what your specific personal circumstances are. We can also advise you on steps you can take to keep your property safe and secure.

Learn more about our insurance services and get a free quote today.

Safety Tips For Navigating Crowded Waterways
Safety Tips For Navigating Crowded Waterways 1000 667 James Hallam

UK waterways can get crowded, especially during the busy summer months.

In this post we will discuss some safety tips for navigating crowded waterways during high season, to help you avoid stress, arguments, and potential damages to your boat and others.

Who Has Right of Way on UK Waterways?

Which Side To Pass Other Boats
On UK waterways, you should navigate on the right (starboard) side, as opposed to the left (port) side, as you would on UK roads.

Wind-powered Boats vs. Engines
There are also certain international regulations determining what types of vessels have right of way on the water. Generally speaking, wind-powered boats have right of way over boats powered by engines, due to their comparatively limited manoeuvrability.

Large Vessels vs Smaller Vessels
Larger vessels also tend to take priority over smaller vessels, mainly because smaller vessels can easily move around larger vessels, which may struggle to correct course.

However, these regulations largely apply to vessels at sea. Local authorities may set their own regulations concerning right of way, and other issues. So before you use any waterways, make sure you familiarise yourself with the local laws.

Stand-On and Give-Way

Whenever two or more vessels encounter each other on any waterway, it is important to consider the “stand-on” vs. “give-way” concept:

  • The stand-on vessel should maintain its speed, and its course.
  • The give-way vessel should adjust its speed and course accordingly so as to avoid a collision.

As we mentioned above, different types of vessels may take priority on waterways. As a general rule of thumb, larger vessels, and those powered solely by wind, should be viewed as stand-on vessels, as it will be harder for such boats to alter their course. Meanwhile, smaller vessels, and those powered by engines, will be viewed as give-way vessels, as they will find it easier to manoeuvre.

But once again, certain waterways may impose their own regulations. For example, all boats may be required to give priority to commercial vessels and local trip boats. And if a waterway is used for certain types of water sports, then this activity may take priority over other types of boating.

Safety and Courtesy for Passing Other Vessels

What if you encounter a similar type of boat to yours? Who will take priority then? For example, what happens when two canalboats need to pass on a waterway?

Technically, neither boat will have priority in this situation. So instead of thinking about right of way, instead aim to follow some general safety and courtesy procedures:

  • Keep your distance from all other boats. Be aware of your boat’s capabilities, and always give yourself enough space and time to react to potential collisions.
  • Follow any speed restrictions on the waterways, and try to keep your speed consistent so that other waterway users can anticipate your actions.
  • If you find yourself on a narrow or crowded waterway, slow down and try to avoid making any abrupt movements.
  • Keep a careful lookout for particularly vulnerable vessels and individuals on the waterway, such as swimmers, canoes, and kayaks.
  • Stick to any designated channels or courses for your particular vessel, as this can help to avoid any unexpected encounters. Also try to stick to one side of the waterway, so that other vessels can easily pass on the other side.
  • Plot your course carefully to avoid any potentially unsuitable or overcrowded channels, and to prevent sudden course changes.
  • Try to stay on your course, and try to avoid U-turns, as these can quickly create bottlenecks and other problems.

Understanding the Water

It is also important to understand the specific nature of the water you are sailing on.

If you are boating on river, a lake, or at sea, then you might have more room to manoeuvre. However, you will also have currents to contend with, and you may sometimes have to deal with turbulent waters. These factors will affect your turning circle, and potentially your speed.

On tidal waters, navigation lights may also be compulsory, so that you can easily communicate your intentions to other vessels.

If you are boating on a marine, or canal, then you may not have to deal with tides, currents, and waves. However, you may have to contend with narrower channels, and potentially more congestion.

Prepare For Emergencies

No matter what sort of waterway you are on, it is important to ensure your vessel is equipped with all of the essential safety equipment in case of emergencies.

You will need a suitable anchor and chain, to stop yourself from drifting in the event of engine failure. Make sure everyone onboard has a life jacket, or access to a life ring or life buoy. Also ensure that everyone has a basic understanding of water safety, and on what to do in case of emergency.

Make sure you have enough fuel for every journey you undertake, to avoid getting stranded. It may also be a good idea to pack flares, so that you can signal to other boats, or a VHF radio to communicate with coastguards and other emergency services.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat for potential collisions and other emergencies all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Avoiding Overheating Boat Engine and Equipment Failure in the Summer
Avoiding Overheating Boat Engine and Equipment Failure in the Summer 1000 667 James Hallam

An overheating boat engine is one of the biggest risks associated with the summer season. In this post we will discuss how you can maintain your boat engine during the summer, with tips on what you should do if your engine starts overheating.

What Causes Engine Overheating?

Boat engines can overheat at any time of the year, but overheating is more likely in the summer. This is because:

  • Strain on the engine: You are more likely to use your boat for extended periods over the summer, and with shorter breaks between each use. Over time, this can put a strain on the engine and its components.
  • High Temperatures: Higher temperatures in the summer months can mean that the engine’s cooling systems have to work harder, which can eventually make them less effective.
  • Shallow waters: The specific waters in which you use your boat can also increase the risks of your engine overheating. Shallow waters, for example, can cause sediment to enter your engine’s cooling systems, which can affect their performance. Plus, if there is a lot of debris or vegetation about, it can clog your engine’s water intake, which can also affect the effectiveness of your cooling system.
  • Saltwater: If you take your vessel out to sea, saltwater can, over time, block your engines cooling systems, which can eventually lead to overheating.

Understanding Your Engine And Cooling System

Getting to know your engine and cooling system is key to understanding and preventing overheating.

Outboard engines
These are water-cooled. The engine draws in water through an inlet before discharging it from the tell-tale. If the cooling system is operating, there should be a small stream of water emanating from the tell-tale while the engine is running.

Inboard engines and stern drive engines
Like cars and other road vehicles, these may rely on engine coolant, along with a heat exchanger that relies on a flow of raw water to keep cool. Or, they might be entirely water-cooled, via thru-hull fittings or a special strainer for saltwater.

Air-cooled engines
Certain smaller outboard engines are air-cooled, rather than water-cooled. The engines feature passages allowing for a flow of air. Excessive loads or blockages can place a strain on these systems.

How To Tell If Your Engine is Overheating

There are some obvious signs that your engine is overheating:

  • Steam might start emanating from the engine compartment.
  • A strong smell of burning.
  • The engine may sound strained.
  • Temperature gauge rising into the red.

Depending on the specific type of engine your boat uses, there might be other early warning signs that things are starting to overheat. If you have a water-cooled system, for instance, look out for a reduced flow from the system’s tell-tale. Some engines will display warning lights if the coolant engines are running too low. And most engines will experience performance issues if they get too hot.

What To Do If Your Engine Starts Overheating

  • Turn off your engine immediately. Set the throttle to idle, and stop wherever it is safe to do so. The longer you run an overheating engine, the worse the damage will be, and the more the repairs will cost you.
  • Give the engine at least 30 minutes to cool.
  • Check the system for faults. Pay particular attention to the coolant levels, and top them up if need be. Also check for blockages wherever they may develop, such as in the outboard water intakes, the thru-hull fittings, or the air intakes.
  • Aim to get your engine system fully inspected and, if necessary, fully serviced before you take to the water again. You should certainly get professional help if your engine will not start again after overheating, or if you notice any visible signs of damage to the cooling system.

How to Prevent Engine Overheating

Regular maintenance will help you prevent your engine overheating.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on regular engine maintenance, and make sure you carry essential maintenance equipment, and spare parts as necessary. Regularly monitor your engine’s coolant levels, and keep an eye on the temperature gauges whenever you are running your boat.

Regular cleaning can also help prevent engine overheating, as it can prevent blockages from developing. For seagoing vessels, you should regularly flush your cooling system to remove any blockages caused by saltwater.

Be sure to read our full guide to mid-season boat checks and maintenance that will help keep your boat in full working order throughout the summer and beyond.

Get The Right Cover For Your Boat This Summer

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Start Typing