A recent editorial refers to the claims management regulator placing blame for malpractice firmly on solicitors (see [2009] Gazette, 30 July, 10). That is not correct. The view that malpractice is now predominantly the responsibility of solicitors is contained in Mark Boleat’s report for the Ministry of Justice, which was published alongside our own Annual Review 2008/09 on 20 July. Mark was asked to prepare an assessment on the impact of regulation, and the conclusions reached are his as a commentator and consultant. We are considering those conclusions and recommendations made. My current views, accurately reported in Jonathan Rayner’s article (see [2009] Gazette, 30 July 3), can be summed up in terms of wanting to see more transparent and equal relationship between solicitors and those they acquire claims from, and we will continue working closely with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other key partners to help achieve this.

Kevin Rousell, Head of claims management regulation, Ministry of Justice