MPs would back moves to simplify the way legal services are regulated, according to research from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The SRA polled MPs for their views on the regulation of legal services, the experience of their constituents in purchasing legal services, and the quality and diversity of legal services. Among the findings was evidence that members were likely to support moves that simplified regulation.

The survey was carried out by ComRes in January and February with 156 members and reflected the composition of the Commons along party lines. Of the MPs who took part, 83% said they were concerned there was a lack of understanding of the regulation of legal services by constituents. Nearly three-quarters agreed that simplifying regulation of legal services should be a key priority for regulatory reform and a similar proportion were concerned that there is insufficient redress for consumers.

Antony Townsend, chief executive of the SRA, said: ‘The survey adds weight to what we've been saying for a while and shows that MPs are also concerned about the complexity of legal services. Their response highlights that, for them, simplifying the regulation of legal services for consumers should be a priority for regulatory reform.

‘Our firm view is that all legal services should be regulated, both in the public interest and in the interests of consumers.’

The results also showed that MPs were largely concerned about their constituents' lack of knowledge and understanding of legal services. This in turn would impair their ability to choose the most appropriate legal services product they need.

The survey found 86% of those questioned were concerned that their constituents did not have sufficient knowledge about whether or not the services they were buying were of good quality; and 85% thought their constituents would not know if the services they were using were appropriate.

Nearly 70% said they were concerned that there is currently insufficient quality assurance of legal services for consumers. Only 28% thought that it should be at the customer's own risk if services were purchased that were or poor quality or irrelevant to their needs.

The SRA is holding a symposium the on the scope of regulation on 26 April.