Austen Jones Solicitors

Austen Jones Solicitors Austen Jones Solicitors is a London-based law firm which provides affordable legal advice to individuals and businesses across the UK.

Austen Jones Solicitors specialises in providing affordable legal services to individuals and businesses across the UK. As a well-respected local practice based in south-east London, we differ from some of the bigger firms out there in that we still care about the basics - like treating everyone as an individual. We always take the time to understand the needs and limitations of our clients and we

offer hugely competitive fixed fees and no-win-no-fee options where appropriate. To find out more about our comprehensive range of legal services or to pick our brains about a legal issue you might have, call us for a no-obligation assessment of your problem and we'll give you 30 minutes of our time for free. Areas we specialise in include:

• Faulty goods and consumer complaints
• Business and partnership disputes
• Family and divorce law
• Employment law
• Accident and injury claims
• Shareholder disputes
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Debt collection
• Breach of contract
• Cosmetic surgery

The Home Office has said that refugee status in the UK will move from a five‑year grant of protection to a temporary 30‑...
05/03/2026

The Home Office has said that refugee status in the UK will move from a five‑year grant of protection to a temporary 30‑month period for adults and accompanied children, subject to review.

Under the new model:

• Refugee protection will be reviewed every 30 months
• Protection will be renewed where individuals still face danger in their home country
• Those whose country is deemed safe may be expected to return
• Refugees will need to renew permission to stay or apply under a separate work or study visa route
• Family reunion remains paused pending new rules
• Unaccompanied children will continue to receive five years’ leave

The reforms form part of wider changes to the UK asylum system, with further amendments to the Immigration Rules expected. The Government has stated that the aim is to reduce irregular migration while maintaining protection for those fleeing war and persecution.

Changes of this scale can create uncertainty for individuals and families currently in the system, as well as those considering applications.

If you are affected by these reforms or need clarity on your immigration status and future options, our immigration team can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

Austen Jones Solicitors - for a personal approach to legal matters.

Dog owners and farmers, important legal changes are coming. From 18 March 2026, strengthened livestock worrying laws und...
25/02/2026

Dog owners and farmers, important legal changes are coming.

From 18 March 2026, strengthened livestock worrying laws under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 come into force in England and Wales.

The changes give police greater powers and significantly increase penalties to protect animal welfare and the vital work of our farmers.

Key changes include:

The law will apply to incidents on roads and public paths, not just in enclosed fields.

The maximum penalty will increase from a £1,000 fine to an unlimited fine.

The law will explicitly distinguish between "attacking" and "worrying" to highlight the violent nature of attacks.

Remember, livestock worrying isn't just about physical attacks. Even a dog chasing sheep can cause serious injury, miscarriage, or death due to stress.

For dog owners, this means greater responsibility. For farmers, it strengthens your legal position.

Austen Jones Solicitors – for a personal approach to legal matters.

Dual nationals and UK travel – important rule changes to be aware ofFrom 25 February, British dual nationals will no lon...
18/02/2026

Dual nationals and UK travel – important rule changes to be aware of

From 25 February, British dual nationals will no longer be able to travel to the UK using only a passport issued by another country.

Instead, they must present either:
• A valid British passport, or
• A Certificate of Entitlement

Without one of these documents, airlines may refuse boarding and entry to the UK could be denied.

Many dual nationals have never applied for a British passport or certificate, even if they have lived in the UK for decades. Both documents take several weeks to obtain and involve fees (around £100 for a British passport and £589 for a Certificate of Entitlement).

At the same time, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system continues to apply to most visitors. An ETA:

• Allows travel to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism or certain other purposes
• Costs £16
• Must be obtained before travel
• Does not guarantee entry
• Is required for each traveller, including babies and children

However, you do not need an ETA if you hold a British or Irish passport, or have permission to live, work or study in the UK.

With changing entry rules and additional documentation requirements, it is important to ensure you have the correct status and paperwork before travelling.

If you are unsure how these changes affect you or your family, our immigration team can provide clear, practical advice.

Austen Jones Solicitors – for a personal approach to legal matters.

Sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 from self-employment or property have just two months to prepare for Mak...
09/02/2026

Sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 from self-employment or property have just two months to prepare for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.

From 6 April 2026, those in scope will need to keep digital records and submit quarterly income and expense updates to HMRC using recognised software. These updates are not extra tax returns, but they do mark a significant shift in how tax records are managed.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, or want clarity on your obligations as a landlord or sole trader, getting advice early can save time, stress and potential penalties.

Austen Jones Solicitors can support you with practical, trusted guidance on property, tax-related matters and business compliance.

Austen Jones Solicitors, for a personal approach to legal matters.

A new Public Accounts Committee report has revealed that the cost of clinical negligence in England has quadrupled over ...
05/02/2026

A new Public Accounts Committee report has revealed that the cost of clinical negligence in England has quadrupled over 20 years, reaching £60bn - while fundamental causes of patient harm remain unaddressed.

The report highlights rising settlement costs, disproportionate legal fees, and serious concerns around maternity and paediatric care, with some families waiting more than a decade for cases involving brain injuries to be resolved.

At Austen Jones Solicitors, our medical negligence team supports individuals and families affected by failures in care, helping them seek answers, accountability and fair compensation.

If you need advice on a potential medical negligence claim, we’re here to help.
Austen Jones Solicitors, for a personal approach to legal matters.

Does plugging in a microwave turn a room into a self-contained flat? It’s a question that recently sat at the heart of a...
12/01/2026

Does plugging in a microwave turn a room into a self-contained flat?

It’s a question that recently sat at the heart of a legal dispute between a local council and a hotel owner. The answer, according to the courts, is a firm "no."

The case involved the St. George Hotel in Great Yarmouth, where owners argued that rooms equipped with a microwave, kettle, and fridge should be classified as self-contained flats rather than a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). However, a judge ruled that a room cannot be "turned into a flat simply by plugging in a microwave."

The ruling emphasises that a true self-contained unit requires proper food preparation areas and adequate storage.

For local authorities and residents, this is all about safety. HMOs are subject to significantly tougher housing and safety standards, and this decision ensures those protections cannot be bypassed by minor additions.

For landlords and property investors, navigating the line between a standard rental and an HMO can be complex. As this case demonstrates, an incorrect classification can lead to lengthy legal battles and potential issues with local authorities.

At Austen Jones Solicitors, we believe in a personal approach to legal matters.

We are here to provide the straightforward, expert guidance you need to ensure your property interests are fully compliant and your residents are safe.

If you need advice on property law, HMO licensing, or housing standards, our team is here to help:

Call us: 020 3397 4795

Email us: [email protected]

Visit us: www.austenjonessolicitors.co.uk

Austen Jones Solicitors, for a personal approach to legal matters.

We will be closing for the Christmas break today, Friday December 19th, at 4:30pm. We will reopen again on Monday 5th Ja...
19/12/2025

We will be closing for the Christmas break today, Friday December 19th, at 4:30pm.
We will reopen again on Monday 5th January 2026.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and healthy and happy New Year.

UK immigration costs for employers are rising - here’s what you need to know.From 16 December 2025, most UK employers sp...
10/12/2025

UK immigration costs for employers are rising - here’s what you need to know.

From 16 December 2025, most UK employers sponsoring overseas workers under work visa routes will face an increase to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC).

For medium and large employers, the fee will rise from £1,000 to £1,320 per worker per year. Small and charitable sponsors will see a hike from £364 to £480.

At Austen Jones Solicitors, we help businesses navigate the full impact of these changes. From visa applications and sponsorship licence management to compliance audits.

If you’re an employer relying on overseas talent, now is the time to review your immigration strategy. Contact us to make sure you’re ready for the changes ahead.

Austen Jones Solicitors – for a personal approach to legal matters.

0208 693 0900
[email protected]

The latest UK immigration rules change proving confusing? With the Labour Government pushing ahead with what it calls th...
01/12/2025

The latest UK immigration rules change proving confusing?

With the Labour Government pushing ahead with what it calls the most significant overhaul of the system in years - from tougher English language requirements to changes in post-study work routes and updated financial thresholds - staying informed has never been more important.

At Austen Jones Solicitors, our immigration lawyers track Home Office policy updates in real time, giving you clear, accurate guidance at every stage.

Whether you’re planning to stay or work in the UK, our team can help you navigate applications, reviews and appeals. We also take on in-progress cases and failed applications that need a fresh pair of eyes, giving you clear, bespoke advice on your options.

We support individuals and businesses alike, offering corporate immigration guidance and compliance audits to help employers stay on the right side of the rules.

Our services include: appeals and administrative reviews, British citizenship, human rights applications, UK visas (spouse, visitor, ancestry, sole representative), ILR and long residence, general work visas and sponsorship licences.

If you need practical, reliable immigration advice, our team is here to help.
Austen Jones Solicitors – for a personal approach to legal matters.

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25/11/2025

Budget Alert for Business Owners, Landlords & Property Professionals
With the Budget coming tomorrow, the spotlight is on a few key areas that could affect your business, property portfolio and tax planning:

Speculation is mounting in the media around changes to property and wealth taxes, including a “mansion tax” or extra levies on high-value homes and rental properties.

Landlords may face new charges, for example national insurance on rental income and amendments to capital gains tax.

Business structures such as LLPs (popular among property firms, law firms and investor groups) may be targeted for additional tax burdens.

At Austen Jones Solicitors, we’re ready to help you review the implications of Budget changes on your business, property holdings, leases and corporate structure. Whether you’re a landlord, a business owner or investor, we are here to assist you understand Wednesday’s announcement.

Austen Jones Solicitors – for a personal approach to legal matters.

📞 0208 693 0900

Address

145 Upland Road
London
SE220DF

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+442086930900

Website

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