I was interested to read your front-page article on the widening of regulation of probate practitioners (see [2004] Gazette, 23 September, 1). Perhaps the Law Society would like to ask consumers whether they would prefer to wait for regulation or whether they would welcome moves to regulate this activity in the near future.


Your article suggests that this matter will be clarified by the Clementi report and that regulation of probate practitioners is just around the corner. The Clementi report will be followed by a response setting out the government's position; this will be followed by a period of consultation, then a period of time to digest responses, and then legislation that is unlikely to pass without significant debate. So to suggest this matter ought to wait shows a disregard for the urgent needs of clients of unregulated practitioners.


Several licensed conveyancers already provide probate services separately from the provision of conveyancing services, and the Council for Licensed Conveyancers welcomes the opportunity to apply to extend its jurisdiction to include probate services provided by licensed conveyancers as an aid to public protection.


As your article says, it is all about the consumer - but the consumer shouldn't have to wait.



Paul Hutchinson, director and chief executive, Council for Licensed Conveyancers