SRA Update
MPs call for simpler regulation of legal services
SRA Update Issue 24 – May 2012
A survey we commissioned in January and February this year from a sample of 156 MPs revealed they would back moves to simplify the way legal services are regulated.
ComRes found that 72 per cent agreed simplifying regulation of legal services was a key priority, while 73 per cent were concerned that there is insufficient redress for consumers.
The feedback also showed that 86 per cent of MPs were concerned about their constituents' lack of knowledge and understanding of legal services, and 70 per cent that there is currently insufficient quality assurance of legal services for consumers.
"All legal services should be regulated"
Chief Executive Antony Townsend, said this reinforced the SRA's view that all legal services should be regulated, both in the public interest and in the interest of consumers. The SRA is developing the consumer section of its website, giving advice on choosing a solicitor, checking a solicitor's record and telling them more about the SRA's role in regulation.
Download the survey findings (PDF 15 pages, 241K)
Summaries of GfK NOP Social Research and Vision One Research survey can be found with other consumer research pieces at www.sra.org.uk/consumer-research/#download.
Naga Munchetty chairs Regulatory Symposium
A Regulatory Symposium, organised by the SRA, was held in London and chaired by BBC Breakfast News presenter Naga Munchetty on 26 March in London to discuss the future scope of regulation.
Representatives from leading regulators, including the Legal Services Board, BSB and IPS (ILEX Professional Standards); representative bodies, academics and practitioners, attended. Fifteen panellists, including Lord Falconer, the minister responsible for the Legal Services Bill attended.