The balance of power is currently with the lenders, which are seeking to control the property market, but how many banks can we or our clients really embargo?

HSBC is not the first - and will by no means be the last - to cull its panels, but it is playing by the rules. However, it seems to me that there is a simple solution for the legal profession to ensure that the balance of power is shifted back towards us - change the rules that we as a profession have put in place so that lenders and borrowers must now seek separate representation. At least that way that will create a market whereby borrowers must seek their own, hopefully local, representation.

Sunil Kambli, Premier Solicitors, Bedford