Law Society welcomes in the Legal Services Board’s new business plan

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The Legal Services Board (LSB) has released its 2025/26 business plan and its budget for the year, which increased by 11% from 2024/5 to £5.873 million.

The business plan, which was published on 17 April 2025, outlined the LSB’s key priorities for the year. These priorities are centred around five key areas: professional ethics and the rule of law; equality, diversity and inclusion; access to justice; disciplinary and enforcement; and consumer protection.

Interim chair of the LSB, Catherine Brown, said: “This plan will help us to target those areas where we can make the greatest difference for consumers. This is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in legal services, which underpin the sector’s significant contribution to the UK economy.”

The Law Society welcomed the LSB’s proposals, particularly the body’s focus on new technology and commitment to making the legal profession more diverse. Commenting on the board’s intention to address “unmet legal needs”, Law Society President Richard Atkinson said: “The legal profession alone cannot address unmet legal need. It can only be fixed by government funding the justice system properly to ensure access to justice is available to all.”

The LSB also intends to focus on its approach to regulatory oversight, aiming to reduce the burden on high-performing regulators, while focusing resources on those with poorer performance.

Brown said: “As we approach the midway point of the ten-year Reshaping Legal Services strategy, it is also fitting that we use this opportunity make sure that regulation is maintaining standards, promoting confidence and facilitating economic growth.”  

Atkinson said: “We look forward to responding to the consultation on upholding professional ethics. This will be an opportunity for us to provide detailed feedback and work with the LSB to refine these proposals.”