I note that Deborah Evans, the chief executive of the Legal Complaints Service (LCS), was quoted as saying that negligence matters are 'currently outside the scope and powers of the LCS' (see [2007] Gazette, 31 May, 3).


This is not strictly correct. The LCS can deal with complaints about negligence if the matter is straightforward and the value does not exceed £15,000. Where the LCS has declined to deal with such complaints, I have made a recommendation that it reconsider this decision. I made such a recommendation recently and in June 2007, the LCS awarded the complainant compensation for a case which involved negligence.



Zahida Manzoor, Legal Services Ombudsman, Manchester