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The key problem for the last ten years has been the failure of the SRA to deal adequately with complaints.
The public have so little confidence in the SRA complaints procedure that a web site has been developed on Trust Pilot. I have recorded frequently in these columns that the satisfaction rate for the SRA has been steady at 1%
Paul Philip the Chief Executive recorded that he removed "defamatory" entries on the official web site and has made no effort to respond to his many critics on Trust Pilot.

One of the stated aims of the Legal Services Act 2007 was to "promote the interests of consumers". All of Paul Philips actions and policies for the last ten year have been focused on increasing the bureaucratic powers of the Chief Executive . As a result he has lost the confidence of both solicitors and consumers
The retiring Commons Select Committee indicated that the SRA is not a suitable organisation to safeguard the public interest.
The Ministry of Justice should be asked to undertake a review of the regulation of solicitors. Any new system should have the following features
1. A clear system of accountability to Parliament on an annual basis
2. A system of an appeal to a judicial authority outside the SRA
3. An insistence that there is complete transparency as is required by law
4. Recognition that the Authorities investigations into complaints must be seen to closely follow two guidance documents produced by the Authority
a." Acting with Honesty" A guide to principle four of the code
b) "How we deal with complaints and the criteria we apply.

5. Any new system should guarantee the complete independence of the Complaints system and the guarantee of an appeal to a qualified judge.

The SRA has long outlived its usefulness and should replaced by an organisation which is genuinely responsive to the needs of the consumers