The Law Society plans to cut the individual practising fee once again next year.

For 2017/18 Chancery Lane is seeking views on a fee of £278, a reduction of £12. Council meets on 5 July to discuss and agree final budget proposals.

Writing in today’s Gazette, president Robert Bourns says the 4% cut is attributable to a combination of efficiencies and a greater number of solicitors on the roll among whom to divide the cost.  

The individual fee has been cut by £42 (13%) in the past two years and since 2014 has fallen by 28%.

‘The Law Society is working to reduce the cost of our work for the profession by focusing on what matters,’ says Bourns.

‘We are mindful that we are spending members’ money and are prioritising work which members value at a time when we are responding to increasing numbers of consultations from the MoJ, SRA and others that impact on practice, access to the profession and justice.’

The Solicitors Regulation Authority intervened in 37 firms last year, most commonly on the ground of suspected dishonesty, the regulator’s annual report reveals. Complaints about incompetence, negligence and delays were the most commonly made about the profession.