The lord chancellor has given the strongest indication yet that the 2007 Legal Services Act could be reviewed - but dashed hopes of any immediate action. In a reply to a letter from the House of Commons Justice Committee calling for reform of the act, Alex Chalk MP said this week: 'I recognise that there is a growing case for a review of the act and have asked my officials to consider when the appropriate time to conduct a thorough review of the act might be.'

The justice committee had concluded that the act, which created the current multi-tiered system of legal regulation, ‘does not appear to provide a stable long-term framework’. Chalk commended the committee's 'sensible evidence-based recommendations and conclusions'.

Replying to the committee's call for reform of the Legal Services Board, the lord chancellor said: 'The Ministry of Justice has considered a review of the LSB under the 2022-25 Public Bodies Review Programme on several occasions. Given the need to prioritise bodies based on risk profile, size of budget, and opportunities for efficiencies, the LSB has not yet been included.' 

Alex Chalk

Chalk: 'I recognise that there is a growing case for a review of the act'

Source: Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

'However, I note the arguments for a review of the LSB and will keep this matter under consideration,' he said. Meanwhile officials are 'giving consideration' to the committee's proposal for the role of the LSB's chair to be subject to pre-appointment scrutiny. 

On other concerns about regulation, including the independence of the Bar Standards Board and the representation of in-house lawyers, the lord chancellor said: 'As you know, the regulation of legal services is independent of the government and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment on these matters. My department enjoys positive working relationships with the regulators and representative bodies, and I will draw their attention to your recommendations and conclusions.'

Chalk assured the committee that he will 'watch closely for the outcome of the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry' and that 'it will be important for the regulators and government, where necessary, to respond appropriately to the inquiry’s conclusions'. He noted that the Solicitors Regulation Authority is conducting its own investigation into the scandal. 'I expect this to be finalised after the inquiry concludes.'

 

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