Law Soc responds to SRA’s proposed regulatory changes; new SRA chair from Jan 15
updated on 30 June 2014
The SRA’s consultation regarding its proposed changes to the way it regulates the profession has caused the Law Society to comment that the proposals combine "helpful proposals with changes which are concerning for solicitors and consumers".
On 7 May the SRA published four consultation documents proposing wide-ranging reforms to be introduced on 1 October, aimed at providing "greater access for socially disadvantaged consumers excluded from legal services and cost savings for firms through easing regulatory burdens". Among other things, the proposals suggest lowering the level of insurance cover that firms must have, combined with an obligation on firms to show the SRA that they still have sufficient cover to protect clients.
Desmond Hudson, Law Society chief executive, summarised the society’s concerns: "Our view is that these proposals are too hastily conceived and possibly highly risky. We do, however, welcome the SRA’s desire for better and targeted regulation and we look forward to working with them to rationalise and minimise the regulatory burden for smaller firms."
In other SRA news, it has announced that a new chair has been appointed to take over from Charles Plant on 1 January 2015. Enid Rowlands is a member of the SRA Board, and is also the UK chair of Victim Support, having also held roles with Consumer Focus, North Wales Police Authority, the Training Standards Council and others.
