Wedlake Bell Insights

    • Globally Speaking
    • May 22, 2025

    Shari’ah, and an introduction to Islamic inheritance law

    The word “Shari’ah” sparks curiosity and sometimes misconceptions. Shari’ah is a comprehensive system of ethics, law and guidance in Islam. This article focuses on one of these laws: the Islamic law of inheritance, and how to comply with these laws

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    • Globally Speaking
    • May 21, 2025

    Reforms to the UK taxation of individuals and their wealth structures: A summary

    On 6 April 2025, significant changes to the UK tax regime for non-UK domiciled individuals (“non-doms“) and future arrivers into the UK took effect. These reforms were initially announced by the Conservative government in March 2024 but were confirmed, extended

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    • Insights
    • May 20, 2025

    The role of expenditure budgets in assessing spousal maintenance in divorce and financial proceedings

    In divorce and financial proceedings, the expenditure budget is a crucial tool. It helps the court determine each spouse’s financial needs and obligations, ensuring a fair maintenance award. Understanding its importance can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Q:

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    • Globally Speaking
    • May 14, 2025

    Will the UK trump the US following the April 2025 non-dom reforms?

    The non-dom reforms first announced in the UK Spring Budget 2024 have since been the subject of intense scrutiny, but not so heavily publicised is the planning opportunity these reforms offer to US persons (a term which includes both US

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    • Insights
    • Apr 29, 2025

    Employment Rights Bill: Key updates and implications for employers

    The Employment Rights Bill has undergone significant amendments following extensive consultations and parliamentary debates. Here’s an overview of the key updates. ‘Right to Switch Off’ Abandoned Initially proposed as part of the “New Deal for Working People,” the right to

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    • Pensions Compass
    • Apr 2, 2025

    Part 4 – High court approves scheme merger diluting surplus

    On 3rd February 2025 the High Court approved the merger of the Arcadia Executive Scheme (“Executive Scheme”) with the Arcadia Staff Scheme (“Staff Scheme”). Key Point: The case revolves around whether proposed scheme amendments were for a scheme’s proper purposes.

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    • Pensions Compass
    • Apr 2, 2025

    Part 3 – Pick of the pensions ombudsman’s decisions

    The Pensions Ombudsman (“TPO”) has recently issued two noteworthy determinations with important implications for pension schemes and their members: (i) Mr H v Olivetti UK Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (“Mr H’s Case”); and (ii) Mr N v Volkswagen

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    • Pensions Compass
    • Apr 2, 2025

    Part 2 – High court decision – IHT mistake allowed for trust rescission

    Background In 2005, Janus Henderson, the asset management group (formerly the Henderson Group) established an employee benefit trust to benefit employees and their families, and an employer-financed retirement benefit scheme in 2011 (established in anticipation of legislative changes), to benefit

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    • Pensions Compass
    • Apr 2, 2025

    Part 1 – Defined benefit (DB) surplus – UK government plans major changes to trapped surplus regime

    On 28 January 2025, the UK Government announced proposed legislative changes aimed at unlocking scheme surpluses. The changes are aimed at allowing employers to access surplus funds ‘trapped’ within schemes to enable trustees and sponsoring employers the ability to boost

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    • In Trust
    • Mar 26, 2025

    In Trust – March 2025

    Welcome to the March 2025 edition of In Trust. In this edition, we take a look at some key updates affecting private clients and their estate planning. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves today (26 March 2025) delivered the government’s Spring Statement,

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