The “golden ticket” or “silver bullet” for the Main Contractor is to be able to claim both time and money. The Main Contractor is, therefore, looking for a Relevant Event and a Relevant Matter.

The Act deals with how landlords and tenants of commercial premises should conduct themselves in relation to rent arrears’ negotiations on debts that were accrued during the pandemic, known as a “Protected Debt”. Arbitration can be sought in the event of failure to agree but there is a deadline of 24 September.

Charities, like everyone else, may find themselves struggling to adapt to the fast-moving situation created by Covid-19.

On Wednesday 18 March, the government announced measures in an attempt to provide some reassurance for both residential landlords and tenants. We are not sure how reassured either landlords or tenants will be.

Commercial leases are unlikely to include provision for rent suspension in circumstances of a health epidemic and tenants will be left to try and negotiate a rent-free period or discounted rent with their landlord.

Yesterday the government published an official guidance note for schools, colleges and local authorities. It covers who key workers are, and under what circumstances their children will continue to attend school.

The payment of dividends is generally a good indicator of the financial health of a business. Dividends represent a way of returning income on an investment, but that is not all they are used for.

It is not easy to be legally excused from performing contractual obligations, but in some circumstances it may be possible.

The news today that the Government has moved to help bring some clarity to the housing market in these unprecedented times has to be welcomed. Of course, there are no steps that can be taken to help the market revert to anything like normality and obviously there are far more important things at stake than house moves.

Following increasingly desperate calls, the government announced a number of measures to help support charities and not-for-profits during the COVID-19 crisis on 8th April 2020. It was acknowledged by ministers that the work the Third Sector does is vital during this time, and to lose services which support those most in need would place further strain on the NHS and other vital systems.