LEGAL SERVICES: consumers say independent regulator of profession would restore trust



Six out of ten members of the public would consider getting legal services through a supermarket or high street bank in the future, research by consumer group Which? has claimed.



The survey of 1,006 adults found that three-quarters (75%) thought obtaining legal services at banks or supermarkets is 'a good idea'.



More than half of the respondents (56%) also said they would have more trust in solicitors or other legal advisers and would receive a better service if the profession were regulated by an independent body. Some 78% agreed that such a regulator 'should be able to fine the legal profession if it does not do its job properly'.



Louise Restell, legal services campaigner at Which?, said: 'Ending the restrictions on the type of business lawyers can form will make it easier for new providers to enter the market, stimulating competition and innovation.' Which? also claimed that consumers felt that the office for legal complaints (OLC) proposed in the Legal Services Bill should be 'totally new in a new location with new fully trained staff'.



Desmond Hudson, Law Society Representation chief executive, warned that 'if Parliament is to allow new entrants, the stark difference between the public interest and consumer interest must be recognised'. He added: 'The impact on access to justice and an independent legal profession is far more important than shopping.'



Mr Hudson said consumers will want to be advised by qualified and regulated legal professionals, and solicitors must be free to adapt to new markets and compete on a level playing field. 'I know they will rise to the challenge and the Society is determined to help them do so.'



Law Society Regulation Board chief executive Antony Townsend said it agreed that the Bill was a 'landmark opportunity' to benefit consumers. '[The board] is committed to regulating in accordance with the principles of the Bill, in the public interest'.



Consumer Complaints Service Chief Executive Deborah Evans said it supported the Bill. 'The service benefits from a huge resource of talent and experience that would benefit any legal consumer redress organisation.'



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Philip Hoult