Douglas Houghton's appointment follows a period of sustained growth for the team and will enable ACS to continue to deliver the very best care and support for its increasing number of deputyship clients.

ACS is recognised nationally for its approach and care in this important sector, recently being shortlisted in the Law Society Excellence Awards in private client practice, and being listed in the UK-wide rankings in both Chambers 2018 and the Legal 500. It remains one of the few firms nationally with the expertise to advise on both property and finance issues, and health and welfare matters.  Our strategy is to ensure that the highest level of personalised service is delivered at all times to each client, as our reputation and our client base continue to expand.

Doug joins the team from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Birmingham, where he specialised in, amongst other things, contentious Court of Protection matters, recognised as a “next generation lawyer” by the Legal 500, and is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors, otherwise known as ACTAPS.

Sheree Green, Court of Protection Lead at ACS, said, “We are delighted that Doug has joined us. We are looking forward to working with him as together we see our Court of Protection property and finance service go from strength-to-strength.”

Doug said, “The Court of Protection team at ACS has an incredible reputation. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside such a talented group in helping to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.  I look forward to helping the team grow and further establish itself as a market leader.”

Latest news, webinars and podcasts

Right to shared ownership – help or hinder?
Right to shared ownership – help or hinder?

The Government first announced plans for a shared ownership right to buy in October 2019. At the time the sector raised concerns about the impact the plans would have on housing associations ability to borrow. An election and a pandemic later the Government announced, during the CIH Housing Festival last week, the return of the right to shared ownership as part of its Affordable Homes Programme (AHP).

End of possession stay - new working group guidance
End of possession stay - new working group guidance

Two final pieces of the possession jigsaw have been published on 15 September 2020. Mr Justice Knowles’ working group on possession proceedings has issued its guidance on the “overall arrangements” for possession proceedings.

The Building Safety Bill: Duty holders
The Building Safety Bill: Duty holders

One change proposed by the Building Safety Bill is the introduction of a duty holder regime, which will see statutory responsibility for the safety of higher risk buildings placed on key individuals

Charities fortnightly round-up 20
Charities fortnightly round-up 20

A recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the UK means new measures are being put in place in an effort to reduce the risk of a second wave. Whilst the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt, it is important to remain focused on the sector’s road to recovery.

Can you see the future yet?
Can you see the future yet?

Sometimes half an hour at a conference gives you the reality that has been staring you in the face all along. That was my experience watching “Change is on the Horizon”

PODCAST: Possession update
PODCAST: Possession update

Following our recent e-briefing on Possession Notices, Helen Tucker and Emilie Pownall from our housing litigation team discuss the impact of the changes on social landlords.

Possession Notices – all change once more!
Possession Notices – all change once more!

Not only has the possession stay been extended until 20 September, the notice periods to be given to tenants has been extended in certain circumstances with some important exceptions.