MHCLG seeks views on planning proposals
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is seeking views on its proposals for planning decisions and applications. In two consultations launched this week, MHCLG sets out its plans for the requirements for local planning authorities to consult the secretary of state when they plan to refuse applications, and proposals for establishing a new […]
New Law Society guide informs solicitors of AI risks
The Law Society of England and Wales has launched a new practical guide to help solicitors make safer, more informed technology decisions and warns that unsafe AI adoption may expose firms to risks. The majority of firms and solicitors now use AI for routine legal practice tasks such as drafting documents and analysing case material, […]
Three hours a day spent on non-billable tasks, report finds
UK legal professionals spend nearly three hours a day on non-billable tasks, according to a new industry report. Profitability in Law: Global Report 2026, commissioned by LEAP Legal Software, surveyed around 700 legal professionals across six countries and found the equivalent of 88 full working days (17.5 weeks) a year are not charged for. Despite […]
One in five law firm partners ‘may quit in next three years’
One in five partners are considering leaving their employers within the next few years, a survey across the UK Top 250 law firms suggests, as assumptions that being made partner meant you had a job for life no longer ring true. According to research by TBD Marketing, one fifth (21%) of the 160 law firm […]
‘HMLR should reposition itself from a data repository to data empowerment’ – Baroness Taylor
HM Land Registry has been told it should reposition its service offering from that of a “data repository” to an organisation that “uses its data and expertise to unlock value for customers, the public sector and the wider economy”. In a letter from parliamentary under-secretary of state Baroness Taylor of Stevenage to Neil Sachdev, chair […]
Government seeks views on new towns programme, as seven locations revealed with plans to deliver 180,000 new homes
The government is seeking views on its draft new towns programme and has announced seven potential locations for the towns, as it ramps up efforts to build 1.5 million homes during this parliament. The proposed towns across the country come with assurances new infrastructure will include jobs, schools, green spaces and transport links. Each location […]
LSB must focus less on minutiae and more on big issues for regulators, CLC says
The Legal Services Board (LSB) should be “a more vocal and visible advocate” for frontline regulators, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) has said in response to a public consultation on the oversight regulator’s draft business plan and budget for 2026-7. The CLC has urged the LSB to focus its efforts on “system-wide issues rather […]
Mortgage Advice Bureau announces £32b of lending in record year
Technology driven mortgage intermediary the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) has announced that the value of arranged mortgages reached £32 billion in 2025, a 23% increase on the previous year and a record level of lending for the business. The performance demonstrates the growing influence of just 190 adviser firms delivering mortgage advice at such scale […]
Don’t panic, but stay alert – CLC discusses tax adviser registration during National Conveyancing Month
Don’t panic, but stay alert is the message from the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) when it comes to tax adviser registration, said Stephen Ward, director of communications at the regulator, in a wide ranging discussion exclusively for National Conveyancing Month. Ward said he hoped for greater clarity from HMRC on the responsibilities on conveyancers, […]
The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 published, with £7,000 fines for non-compliance
An information sheet detailing the responsibilities of private landlords and letting agents in England in complying with the Renters Rights Act has been published by the government. The official document must be provided to tenants by 31 May 2026. The Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 is designed to give tenants helpful, practical advice on […]
Transparency and accountability needed for “complex” freehold estates and private management arrangements
“Outdated and disproportionate” enforcement related to recharges should be ended, and there should be greater transparency and consistency in how estate management charges are communicated said the Conveyancing Association (CA) in response to the Government’s recently closed consultation on estate management reform In December of last year the government launched two consultations as part of […]
Housing market “gradually regaining momentum” according to Propertymark report
The housing market is “stabilising rather than surging” suggests the latest Housing Insight report from Propertymark. But the report draws on data published before the recent Bank of England decision to hold base rate and the current volatility in the Middle East which commentators predict will have an impact on the property market. Provisional data […]
Smart property data could add £2bn to GDP; but only with legislative intervention
The application of smart data to the property market could contribute up to £2bn to UK GDP by the 2040’s according to a new report published by government his week. The Department for Business and Trade report “Economic analysis: understanding the costs and benefits of smart data use cases” analysed five use cases for smart […]
Global volatility leads to unanimous rates hold decision
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 3.75% citing global unrest increasing the cost of energy and other commodities affecting households and businesses. As a result the MPC anticipates a near term increase in inflation as it continues efforts to bring it down to the 2% target In […]
Private equity invests in fast-growing conveyancing practice
Private equity house Alcuin Capital Partners has invested in fast-growing conveyancing practice Muve and Nova. The investment will drive “continued investment in talent, technology and sales functions to drive its next phase of expansion” said the firm. Muve, a consumer facing brand, and Nova, the business to business brand of Connect2Law featured in the Sunday […]
New plans announced to reshape how England protects and manages land
England’s first Land Use Framework sets out a plan for managing the country’s finite land more efficiently. Marking a “significant shift” in how the government intends to oversee land resources, it aims to balance the demands of housing, food production, nature recovery and renewable energy. The framework was developed by the Department for Environment, Food […]
Gap widens for second steppers as average age of FTBs rises
The price gap for those looking to move on from their first home is wider than ever, according to the latest figures from Rightmove. The average three to four-bed home now costs 52% more than a typical first-time buyer home, putting increased pressure on those looking to move up the property ladder. In March, the […]
Charity hike invites participants and hopes to raise £2000
A charity hike in aid of a charity providing life‑changing mental‑health support through nature, movement and professional guidance is being organised by Women in Conveyancing. Open to everyone regardless of gender, job role or hiking experience the group, which offers networking and collaboration opportunities for women working in conveyancing, is organising a hike up the […]
New appointments and expansions from Merseyside to Tunbridge Wells
Five law firms have announced significant appointments and expansions with Napthens naming a new legal director for conveyancing, Thomson Snell & Passmore appointing a new head of real estate, and conveyancing firm Montpellier Legal opening a new office in central London. Tammy Jones has been appointed to lead the residential conveyancing team at Merseyside firm […]
Interest in law jobs ‘drops by a third’
Interest in law-related jobs has dropped by a third over the past year, recruitment website data suggests. The number of jobseekers pursuing legal roles fell by 32.9% between January 2026 and 2025, according to Indeed Hiring Insights data analysed by Witan Solicitors. Despite continued demand from employers, the number of jobseekers per vacancy dropped by […]