Why is it that the Gazette immediately falls for the hype foisted on us by the likes of Halifax bank, whose goal is to take business from solicitors (see [2006] Gazette, 2 November, 1)?

You announce to the world that Halifax is to offer 'discounted conveyancing' among other 'everyday legal products'.


The reality is that Halifax is going to charge its customers £89 a year to gain access to this offer. If, as is the average, a Halifax customer moves house once every seven years, the true cost will be 7 x £89 plus the 'discounted fee'. I make that £1,012 plus VAT on the fee.


In any event, my law firm only charges £420 plus VAT to convey for a £300,000 house, so where is the discount?


Dominic Moss, Stonehewer Moss, Northwich