Lawyers and others have broadly welcomed proposals to implement a Law Commission plan that clarifies the law relating to the execution of deeds and official documents by or on behalf of corporate bodies.

Most respondents to a Department for Constitutional Affairs consultation supported an extension of the irrebuttable presumption that a solicitor has the authority to deliver a deed on behalf of a company.

The government proposes extending this to all transactions, not just those involving the creation or disposal of an interest in land.

An amendment to the rule that documents should be attested by the company secretary and one director also received majority support.

Under this, any two directors will be able to attest the deed.

Work is now beginning on a regulatory reform order to introduce these changes.

Respondents included Clifford Chance, Hammonds and a joint Law Society/City of London Law Society response.