I fully agree with Michael Brough’s letter in the Gazette.

I have been saying the same thing for several years - but the Law Society seems to be afraid separate representation will put up the cost of house buying. It might do, but only by a relatively small sum.

Separate representation will reduce conveyancers’ PII premiums. It might put up the premiums for those who specialise in volume lender work. So be it. Look at the advantages - fraud reduction, a second pair of eyes. I suspect it might have a beneficial effect on commission payments too.

Everyone is getting hung up on panel membership, plus this, that and the other is unfair - scrap it all. Lenders can have their own closed panels, but cannot act for the purchasers.

Tim Simkins, Simkins Solicitors, Baldock, Herts