OSS 'concern' over missed targets

The Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS) last month fell behind case closure targets, which could throw it off-course in reducing its backlog to 6,000 by December.

Closure rates fell to 1,752 last month from 3,060 in March.

As a result, the overall number of outstanding cases fell by only 212 last month, leaving the total of unresolved cases - made up of live cases plus the backlog - at 12,478.

Under a revised estimate by management consultants Ernst & Young, which has overseen work at the OSS, a case reduction of 400 per month is needed to hit the December target.

An OSS spokesman said there was 'concern' about the lack of progress to achieve targets, but that work was being done to 'identify the reasons and remedy them quickly'.

He added that a number of factors, including Easter holidays, compulsory staff training and appraisals, had played a part in reducing case closure rates.Turnaround times for dealing with complaints within three months improved slightly in April when it was reached in 65% of cases as against a target of 90%.

Quality standards were also met for the first time last month - the Legal Services Ombudsman was fully satisfied with the OSS's handling of cases in 65% of matters referred to her, beating the agreed 62% target.Sue Allen