Report comment

What isn't reported is this from the accompanying press release which shows how divorced from reality these regulators are:

"The rise in prices is a concern, though the research demonstrates that there are opportunities for consumers to make informed choices – about accessing services remotely, for example, or how to understand pricing. This will help them to choose the service that’s right for them.  

The LSB will continue to push for greater price transparency across the sector, making it easier for people to shop around, find prices and compare services.”

(1) The comparisons in the report are between 2020 and 2024 with an average 5.3% inflation rate each year. Why on earth is a rise in prices "a concern"? Are we supposed to be immune from the pressures the rest of the world faces? What business is it of theirs anyway?
(2) These people have no understanding that their constant interference causes increased costs which, inevitably, will be passed on to the clients. If they run this again in 2 years it is clear the costs of conveyancing in particular will have gone up substantially because of the costs of compliance with the absurd regime we now face.
(3) Why are they so obsessed with people shopping around? All the studies suggest clients don't buy legal services (or at least, choose between solicitors) principally on cost, and it is certainly the case that most solicitors don't want clients who prioritise cheapness over everything else. They've mandated pricing transparency and consumer behaviour has not changed - that must of course be the fault of the solicitors, because the regulators have ordained that shopping around is an inherently good thing.