Levelling Up: MPs need input from the industry for property transaction reform
The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee has launched an inquiry into home buying and selling in England. A cross-party group of MPs will scrutinise the current property transaction process, question relevant stakeholders, and make recommendations for improvement. Commenting on the review, Clive Betts, chair of the LUHC Committee, said: “The process of buying and selling […]
What is a UPRN? And how can it help conveyancers?
A UPRN is a Unique Property Reference Number. Unlike a Title Number, a UPRN can connect a whole range of property related activities such as surveys, sales and paperwork, to one unique ID. UPRN’s might be best compared to the number plate on a car. A unique reference point to which a range of information […]
Further details of cladding remediation tax announced
The government have released further details of the “Residential Property Developer Tax” (RPDT) which is aimed at funding the remediation costs of replacing dangerous cladding on leasehold properties. The Tax will be levied on the profits of companies carrying out residential property development. The tax applies to profits arising in accounting periods ending on or after […]
Regulator extends call for evidence on PII
The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has extended the deadline for its call for evidence on the operation of its Participating Insurers Agreement (PIA), to help shape a formal consultation later this year, to 31 August 2021. The CLC introduced its Participating Insurers Agreement in 2016, allowing CLC regulated practices to seek cover from any […]
CLC confirms 6 practices close due to PII fiasco
The CLC has today responded to confirmation that 6 of its regulated firms have been forced to close following the failure to secure PII cover. In a statement released on the CLC website, the regulator has urged its members to respond to the open Call for Evidence on the operation of PII. The statement in […]
LSB consults on new processes for changing regulatory arrangements
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has launched a consultation on proposed new rules and guidance for alterations to regulatory arrangements. One of the oversight regulator’s core statutory functions is assessing applications from regulatory bodies to alter their regulatory arrangements. The process for this has not been substantially reviewed since 2010.Following engagement with the approved regulators […]
Annual Practising Certificate Fee consultation survey launched
The Law Society has launched its member survey on the Practising Certificate Fee (PC fee) for 2021/22. The survey continues the consultation on the PC fee and business plan which began on 10 May and has already involved proactive discussions with groups of members to get their feedback. As a response to the challenges solicitors […]
Mental Health Survey – how are you feeling?
We’re re-running our mental health survey to establish how our conveyancing friends and readers are feeling as the impending Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday looms, and whether the gradual lifting of restrictions across the country has impacted our mood. The survey takes a couple of minutes and you can have your say here. The […]
Your chance to help The Law Commission to shape Law Reform
The Law Commission has announced its 14th Programme of Law Reform and is asking for contributions to help shape the priorities for the next three to four years. A statement from the Law Commission reads: “The Law Commission carries out law reform projects with the aim of making the law fair, modern, simple and cost-effective. […]
LSB opens debate on improving transparency of the quality of legal services
New research from the Legal Services Board provides insights into the challenges people face when comparing and choosing legal services providers. This is partly because they lack the knowledge of what they need or how legal services work, and partly because the information is hard to find, inconsistent or non-existent. Sixty-nine members of the public […]
LSB sets out options for ensuring the ongoing competence of lawyers
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has confirmed that it will develop and consult on a more robust approach to ensuring lawyers remain competent throughout their careers. In a new report published today, the LSB notes that while legal regulators have comprehensive measures to make sure that legal professionals are competent when entering the legal profession, […]
LSB invites contributions to a new strategy for the legal service sector
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has today launched a consultation on a draft strategy for the legal services sector and is inviting others to say how they will also contribute to reshaping legal services to better meet the needs of society. The strategy follows the publication of LSB’s State of Legal Services 2020 report last […]
HMLR Seek Feedback on Digital Identity Checks
HMLR have published a draft set of requirements aimed at encouraging digital identity checks in the conveyancing sector. The draft “Safe Harbour Standard” outlines the steps conveyancers are expected to take to verify client identity. The enhanced level of check is defined by reference to a set of requirements, collectively known as the “Safe Harbour […]
Law Society warn, planning reform must not be hurried
Hurried planning reforms will not be sustainable and risk causing damage to the physical environment, the Law Society has warned. The Law Society has submitted its response to the government’s Planning for the Future consultation which proposes widescale change to the current planning system including simplifying the role of local plans and reforming developer contributions. […]
SDLT Draft Legislation consultation
Consultation on Draft Legislation for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) has been opened, and is asking for views for people from across the board. The consultation description reads: “We welcome views and comments on the draft Stamp Duty Land Tax (Administration) (Amendment) Regulations 2021. “This consultation sets out the proposed changes to the SDLT return […]
LawTech, ethics and the rule of law discussion paper calls on the profession
Against the backdrop of Legal Geek’s annual virtual conference, the Law Society of England and Wales this week launched its LawTech, Ethics and the Rule of Law discussion paper, which seeks views on the ethical considerations solicitors and firms have in designing or procuring LawTech solutions. In the face of the disruption caused by Covid-19, […]
Assured Digital Identity in the Home Buying & Selling Process
Today’s Conveyancer last week reported on government plans for an electronic verification system which would remove the need to provide original official documentation to prove identity. Responding to Digital Identity: Call for Evidence Response, Chair of the newly formed Digital Identity Group (DIG) working group at the Home Buying and Selling Group Stuart Young discusses […]
The CMA Calls For Evidence As It Begins To Revisit Review
In 2016, the Competition Market Authority (CMA) carried out a review on the supply of legal services in England and Wales. After the review, the CMA outlined some recommendations and now it is taking some time to see if any progress has been made in the sector. Back in 2016, the came to the conclusion […]
Conveyancing To Benefit from New Online ID Check Reforms
The government have put in motion plans for an electronic verification system which would remove the need to provide original official documentation to prove identity. Following last year’s digital identity Call for Evidence, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) have responded confirming the government are proposing to modify existing laws so that […]
The CLC Need Your Views
The Council for Licensed Coveyancers (CLC), want your views as they plan for their 2021 annual conference. The CLC have released a survey they’re asking people to complete, in order to gauge what type of event would be acceptable. The survey opening statement reads: “Over the last few years, the CLC Annual Conference has become […]
