BUT for a last-minute decision to keep Glasgow in level 3 lockdown last week, the eviction and removal of homeowners and tenants from their homes would be happening across the city this week. Make no mistake evictions and mortgage repossessions will be taking place across Scotland from today – as all areas move into level 2 lockdown except for Moray and Glasgow. The eviction ban was first introduced as a temporary measure last December but was extended as the threat from Covid-19 spiked from mutations and variants and Scotland remained at level 4. The ban doesn’t apply to evictions based on the grounds of anti-social behaviour or criminal conduct related to a property.
MOVING out of full lockdown last month began our journey towards a more normal life. It was a long time coming. We can now travel to see family and friends, dine out, go shopping in town or take a trip to the gym or pool. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the amazing scientists around the world who developed the life saving vaccines against Covid-19 and the NHS professionals who ve been rolling it out. We ll find out this week if lockdown will ease further. It s expected Scotland will move to level 2 from next Monday - with further easing of the rules planned throughout June - assuming all goes well.
HP is a simple arrangement that s easily understood. You pay a modest deposit. You make monthly payments towards interest and the cost of the car. With the final monthly payment, you own the vehicle. Things started to change in motor finance from 2010 with a rise in personal contract purchase (PCP) agreements. By 2020, 90% of all new cars were bought on credit - with PCP accounting for 80% of the UK s consumer car finance market. PCP looks attractive - but looks can be deceiving. It s used for the purchase of new or nearly new cars and is a form or hire purchase or conditional sale.
AROUND the globe March is women’s history month. Next Monday is International Women’s Day. The theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Campaigners are highlighting the need to call out gender-based bias and inequality against women whenever it occurs. The Scottish Government has a debate in Parliament this Thursday to examine these issues. Yet, more significant is the fact the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Bill will undergo final consideration by the Scottish Parliament this month. If enacted, the Bill will provide vital new legal remedies to protect women experiencing domestic abuse. In 2012, the UK became a signatory to the Istanbul Convention. This is a Council of Europe human rights treaty to tackle violence against women and girls with a focus on prevention, protection of victims and the prosecution of perpetrators.