TMCP are pleased to provide Managing Trustees with the following links to three webinars which have been produced by Anthony Collins, one of the firms on the Methodist Church’s Panel of Solicitors. These webinars have been created in order to assist the Managing Trustees when considering purchasing or selling a manse property.

COVID-19 and the ‘lockdown’ have thrown up a number of potential problems for tenants who are unable to work or are experiencing a reduction in their income. There are many people who are experiencing financial difficulties and TMCP has listened to the concerns raised with Managing Trustees by their tenants. As a Church we are sympathetic and want to help those in need.

The COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been available from the COVID-19 page of TMCP’s website since mid-March and explore general practical issues that face Managing Trustees given the impact of COVID-19.

The third set of COVID-19 FAQs (FAQ 9 to FAQ 13 inclusive) are now available. These latest FAQs focus on residential tenancies e.g. where Managing Trustees grant or take a tenancy of a Manse or other residential premises.

Following the Government directive for employees to work at home wherever possible, the TMCP team have been working remotely. Since 25th March, Central Buildings, where our offices are situated, has been closed except for occasional planned visits to collect essential documents and equipment.

TMCP would like to draw Managing Trustees attention to the new guidance available on residential conveyancing transactions during the COVID-19 crisis. The Government has issued guidance for the public and industry in relation to home buying and this has prompted the Law Society to follow suit and provide guidance for Solicitors.

As we enter these unprecedented times, please be careful to ensure that data protection does not take a back seat when it comes to changing our working practices and dealing with data protection issues in general. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have released a useful list of FAQ’s many of which will apply to Managing Trustees.