Author: Contend Legal
NHS Penalty Charge Notices: Legal Overview
What Are NHS Penalty Charge Notices? NHS Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are official fines issued when someone breaks specific NHS rules or fails to pay for NHS services they have used. The most common reasons for receiving an NHS penalty charge include not paying for prescriptions, dental treatment, or other NHS services when you are…
Fixed Penalty Notices Explained: Your Rights and Next Steps
What is a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)? A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is an official notice issued by the police, traffic enforcement officers, or Local Authorities for certain minor offences in the UK. Rather than taking you to court, an FPN offers you the opportunity to pay a set fine, resolving the matter quickly and…
Council Tax Fines and Penalties: Your Rights Explained
Understanding Council Tax and Benefits Penalties Understanding Council Tax and Benefits Penalties Council tax is a local charge collected by councils to pay for essential services like rubbish collection, street cleaning, and local schools. Every household is usually responsible for paying council tax, though the amount can vary depending on your circumstances. For a detailed…
Stop and Search by Police: Understand Your Rights in the UK
What is Stop and Search? What is Stop and Search? Stop and search is a police power in the UK that allows officers to stop a person and search them for certain items. This power is designed to help the police prevent and detect crime by allowing them to look for things like illegal drugs,…
When Can Police Enter Your Home Without a Warrant?
Introduction to Police Entry Without a Warrant When it comes to entering and searching a property, the general rule in the UK is that police officers must have a warrant issued by a court. This requirement is designed to protect your right to privacy in your home, as recognised by Article 8 of the European…
Police Visits to Your Home: Your Rights and What to Do
Introduction to Police Visits at Your Home Introduction to Police Visits at Your Home Having the police visit your home can be an unexpected and sometimes unsettling experience. There are several reasons why officers might come to your door, and it’s important to understand both their powers and your rights in these situations. Police may…
Search Warrants in the UK: Your Rights and What Police Can Do
Introduction to Search Warrants A search warrant is a legal document issued by a magistrate or judge that gives police the authority to enter and search specific premises. In UK law, search warrants are an important safeguard, ensuring that police cannot simply enter and search private property without good reason. The warrant must specify the…
Search and Entry of Premises: UK Law Overview
Introduction to Search and Entry of Premises When we talk about ‘search and entry of premises’ in the UK, we mean the circumstances under which the police can legally enter and search your home, business, or other property. This is a significant power, and it’s important to understand when and how the police are allowed…
Police Powers to Seize Your Vehicle: Your Rights Explained
Introduction to Vehicle Seizure by Police When the police seize a vehicle in the UK, it means they take possession of it, usually because they believe a law has been broken or there is a risk to public safety. Vehicle seizure is a serious action, and there are clear rules about when and how police…
Police Seizure of Personal Property: Your Rights Explained
What Is Personal Property Seizure by Police? When the police investigate a crime in the UK, they may have the legal authority to take (or "seize") personal belongings from individuals. This process is known as personal property seizure by police. It means that officers can temporarily remove items from your possession if they believe those…
