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As nice as it might seem, banning referral fees would probably drive them underground. I know of a conveyancing solicitor in the 1970s who, at the end of each month would pass a brown paper bag full of cash to a local estate agent. Referral fees should be capped so that the conveyancer was earning at least enough to do a proper job.

I was often recommended to act for the buyers of new builds constructed by a particular developer. The developer's solicitors (they used more than one) would let me see the contract pack as early as possible to see if I had any objections to it and often changes would be made. They knew better than to try to exert any undue pressure on me. So why did they recommend me, because I got on with it, I kept them informed of progress and did a good job. It is called acting with integrity!

If firms are being identified as being, 'pet, or 'tame' their regulator should be taking action against them.