The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has revealed a 58% increase in misconduct reports “placing significant pressure” on the number of investigations it is having to undertake.
In the six months to the end of April 2026, the SRA reviewed 8,955 reports about potential misconduct (at an average of 1,493 new reports a month). This constitutes 58% more reports than it recorded for the same period two years ago (2023/24).
Reports of potential misconduct are considered by the SRA’s Assessment and Early Resolution Team (AERT), who decide whether they should be formally investigated.
In the six months to April 2026, 1,322 reports (at an average of 220 a month) were escalated from the AERT team for formal investigation. This is a 41% increase in the number of reports passed to our investigations team compared to two years ago – when an average of 156 cases were being referred.
In total, as of the end of 30 April 2026, the SRA is handling on-going investigations linked to 1,844 reports of potential misconduct.
Jonathan Peddie, executive director for investigations, enforcement and litigation, said: “We’ve seen an unprecedented increase in the reports we receive, putting significant pressure on our approach and resources.
“In the short term, we have diverted resources from elsewhere, but this isn’t sustainable as we need strength in all areas. As outlined in our recently published draft Business Plan, we need to consider a range of fundamental changes to the way we work in response to this changing dynamic. This will ensure we can continue to protect the public and uphold confidence in legal services.”
The SRA’s draft 2026/27 Business Plan, which is currently out for consultation, includes a proposal to deliver clearer, faster and more proportionate outcomes by refocusing investigations and enforcement work on areas that best protect the public.
