FWD Consulting

Global equities lost ground as the COVID-19 crisis intensified, with the emergence of two new variants in Brazil adding to the UK and South African mutations.

The UK removed its travel corridors, requiring all passengers to test negative before travelling to the country followed by a quarantine period. German chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the country’s strict measures may last another eight to 10 weeks, while the Dutch government extended the nation’s coronavirus lockdown by three weeks. Japan declared a “soft” state of emergency in and around Tokyo, while three cities in China’s Hebei province have been locked down.

UK

The FTSE 100 declined 2.0% over the week.

The UK economy shrank 2.6% in November, as England experienced its national lockdown. While the contraction raises fears of a double-dip recession in the UK, it was less severe than expected as the manufacturing and construction grew. UK GDP fell 8.9% over the first 11 months of 2020.

US

The S&P 500 fell 1.3% over the week.

Donald Trump was impeached for inciting the violent insurrection on the US Capitol.

President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9tn stimulus plan, including $1tn for households, with an additional $1,400 in direct payments to all Americans which supplements the funds given in December 2020. The relief proposal includes $415bn to fight the virus, $350bn for state and local governments dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus crisis, and $440bn for small businesses. [READ MORE…]

If you have problems with renting, here’s what you need to know

The COVID Pandemic has put a great deal of financial stress on millions of people across the UK, with many struggling to pay their rent. The Government has offered support to renters with the introduction of an eviction ban in March 2020 aimed at allowing people to stay even if their homes if they are unable to pay their rent. The suspension measure has now been extended to 21 February 2021 in England and Wales meaning that landlords are not able to legally enforce an eviction order until this time.  It is estimated that around 300, 000 people could be at risk of losing their homes if they fall behind on their rent.

With the February deadline fast approaching, Simon Roberts, Senior Associate Solicitor, DAS Law, explains your rights if you can’t pay your rent.

I’m struggling to pay my rent and my landlord has threatened to evict me.  What is the current legal position on evictions during the pandemic?

In March 2020, the government introduced legislation to suspend any new evictions from social or privately rented accommodation. This suspension on evictions has now been extended to 21 February 2021 which means that landlords will not be able to legally enforce an eviction order until this date. [READ MORE…]