OSS slaps 66,000 on firms in 'polluter pays' crackdown

The Office for the Supervision of Solicitors (OSS) has levied 66,000 in fines on solicitors' firms under the 'polluter pays' principle, it emerged last week.

'Polluter pays', which was implemented a year ago, gives the OSS power to recover costs against firms which give rise to complaints or investigations, and result in an adverse finding against them.

It is aimed at encouraging firms to deal with complaints internally.

The fines relate to 104 cases.

However, Law Society chief executive Janet Paraskeva revealed to last week's council meeting that 28,000 is as yet unpaid.

An OSS spokesman said that some of the unpaid fines relate to cases that are still under appeal.

However, he added that the Society will issue court proceedings to recover outstanding money where appropriate.

The amount levied is based on a sum recommended by the OSS caseworker to the case adjudicator, based on an hourly rate, up to a maximum of 840.

Neil Rose