Herald - Issue 418

27th January 2022 • The HERALD • Page 55 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v LJM Bookkeeping Services I provide a range of accounting and business services to individuals, partnerships, charities and small businesses. I am licenced through the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers for the following services. Bookkeeping, Computerised Accounting Software, Final Year End Accounts, Payroll Management, CIS, VAT, Self Assessment Tax for Individuals and Construction Industry Scheme, Statutory Accounts for Small Businesses including Corporation Tax and related submissions, Holiday cover can also be provided for, hourly rates charged. Please contact Lynda McIntyre Email:  ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com Telephone: 07774 790543 ASK A PROFESSIONAL With a recent stamp duty land tax holiday, sellers have enjoyed a buoyant market. However, the market is open to exploitation. e BBC reported on a home owner who nearly lost her home to fraud. e article ‘Property Fraud: My fake sister tried to steal my home’ reported on the 1st December 2020 laid clear how important it is to have a valid Financial and A airs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) that has been o cially set up by a legal professional. e home owner had le her leased home vacant whilst she cared for her ailing mother. It was only when her landlord contacted her about the proposed sale that she realised something was wrong. A woman known as ‘Julie’ had completed an LPA on her behalf. Recent changes at the O ce of the Public Guardian means this can be completed online without anyone identifying the person signing or whether they understand the signi cance of the LPA - a legal document or deed. ‘Julie’ took full advantage of this, together with some forged identity documents and registered the LPA. ankfully, the solicitors that ‘Julie’ instructed to sell the property undertook diligent checks which ‘Julie’ was unable to answer. Without the legal professionals being involved and trusting their instincts the home owner could have lost her home. e LPA was thoroughly investigated and noted to be perfectly valid on its face - until solicitors delved deeper. e O ce of the Public Guardian does not check the identity of the donor (person making the LPA) or attorneys and this is where the danger lies for the individual. A legal professional will review the LPA with a client fully, making sure that they understand both the document and its e ect once signed on their nances. e O ce of the Public Guardian will write to the person registering the LPA and the attorneys but not the donor automatically. At CGM Solicitors we believe that it is vital the client understands the process and is updated at all stages. Overall, if there are any problems or concerns we are available to assist. e individual donor is at the heart of the whole LPA process and an unregulated website is wholly open to abuse and fraud. Dominic Raab was contacted for comment on this exact point. You can contact the O ce of the Public Guardian for free on: 0300 456 0300 to enquire about any existing and registered LPA in your name. ey can also be contacted on customerservices@publicguardian.gsi . gov.uk. If you have any concerns, we are o ering a free LPA clinic for you to check your existing LPA or to discuss a new one. Lindsay Taylor is an Associate Solicitor based at the Covid-secure Hythe O ce. For your conveyancing and private client needs you can contact CGM Solicitors on: 023 8084 2765 for an appointment. Property Fraud: I don’t need a Solicitor - or do I? by Lindsey Taylor, Associate Solicitor, CGM Solicitors New Forest Business Partnership (NFBP) offers a free weekly Business Support Hour every Wednesday at 3pm. Each week will focus on a specific topic from a local business expert. An important element of these sessions is the interaction between attending businesses. Whilst the rst half hour is focused on the chosen topic, the second half will allow businesses to share ideas, opportunities or issues. You can sign up to attend this support hour via the NFBP website: www.n p. org.uk/events New Forest Business Support Hour