Practice guide update: PG57
Exempting documents from the general right to inspect and copy (PG57) Page summary: Guidance on exempting documents, obtaining a full copy and withdrawing exempt status (practice guide 57) Change made: We have added a sentence to the second paragraph in section 2.4 to confirm that each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Time updated: […]
Navigating the SRA AML Questionnaire: Key Insights for Law Firms
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has rolled out a new AML (Anti-Money Laundering) Questionnaire, and if you’re involved in managing compliance for a law firm, this is something you’ll want to pay close attention to. The questionnaire is designed to gather detailed information about your firm’s approach to AML, including your risk assessments, policies, and […]
Practice guide update: PG11
Inspection and application for official copies (PG11) Page summary: How to apply to inspect or obtain official copies of leases and charges referred to in the register (practice guide 11). Change made: The guide has been reformatted to ensure the digital routes for official copies are explained before reference to paper-based applications, reflecting HM Land […]
AML and sanctions data collection – What you need to know
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has recently requested law firms complete an anti-money laundering and sanctions data collection exercise. The SRA is required by Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision (OPBAS) to take a risk-based approach to supervision and is requesting firms complete the requested information as full as possible. It will, they say […]
Practice guide updates: PG19A, PG26, PG49, PG25, PG8, PG24, PG82 and PG19
Restrictions and leasehold properties (PG19A) Page summary: A guide to restrictions on registered leasehold titles and what to do when complying with a restriction causes difficulties. Change made: The guide has been amended to reflect how applications should be made using our digital systems. Time updated: 6:00am, 27 August 2024 Leases: determination (PG26) Page summary: […]
Practice guide update: Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests (PG19)
Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests (PG19) Page summary: How to apply for a notice or restriction to protect a third-party interest in an estate (practice guide 19). Change made: A new version of form RXC has been published and sections 3.1.1. and 8 of this guide have been amended to reflect the changes […]
Land registration: PG67
Land registration: Practice guides Evidence of identity (PG67) Page summary: This guide explains when evidence of identity is required and how it should be given. It is aimed at conveyancers (practice guide 67). Change made: Section 4.1 has been amended to explain how to obtain an identity facility letter. Time updated: 6:00am, 12 August 2024
Practice guide update: PG1
First registrations (PG1) Page summary: Guidance for conveyancers on how to register unregistered estates in land for the first time (practice guide 1). Change made: Section 4.3.7 has been amended to reflect that we will only acknowledge receipt of the application if you provide us with an email address. Time updated: 6:00am, 5 August 2024
Practice guide update: PG56, PG19
Rentcharges (PG56) Page summary: Guidance on a variety of points which commonly arise in rentcharge applications, including formal apportionment and redemption (practice guide 56). Change made: Section 3 has been amended as a result of changes in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 coming into force on 24 July 2024. Time updated: 6:00am, 24 […]
Updated practice guides: PG82, PG62A, PG55, PG19, PG8, PG26
Electronic signatures accepted by HM Land Registry (PG82) Page summary: Information about the types of electronic signature accepted by HM Land Registry (practice guide 82) Change made: Sections 2.2 and 3.2 have been amended to remove the requirement for Mercury signatures and conveyancer-certified electronic signatures that all the conveyancers involved agree to their use; and […]
Updated practice guides: PG8,PG9, PG11, PG14A, PG19, PG24, PG26,PG30,PG31,
Which practice guide has changed? Practice guide 6: devolution on the death of a registered proprietor When did it change? 17 June 2024 What has changed? We have amended sections 4 and 7. What does it mean for customers? We have updated our guidance to explain how the well-established rule of survivorship affects joint proprietors […]
Board gives go-ahead for CILEX change
The Board of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has agreed it would regulate Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) members, if CILEX decides to redelegate this to the SRA. CILEX approached the SRA about this potential change in 2022. Last year, the SRA consulted on the arrangements it would introduce for the regulation of authorised CILEX members. Following a […]
Land registration: Practice guides updated
Discharge of charges (PG31) Page summary: Guidance about discharges of registered and noted charges, aimed at conveyancers (practice guide 31). Change made: Section 2.11 has been amended as a result of a change of contact details for our Commercial Arrangements Section. Time updated: 6:00am, 17 June 2024 Approval of mortgage documentation (PG30) Page summary: How […]
Practice guide update: PG9
Powers of attorney and registered land (PG9) Page summary: Advice on the evidence that HM Land Registry needs when an attorney has executed documents lodged for registration (practice guide 9). Change made: Section 7 has been updated to reflect our current practice when a copy of the power of attorney is lodged. Time updated: 6:00am, […]
SRA proposes rise to Compensation Fund
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has today published a consultation on its business plan and budget for next year, which includes a proposed rise in contributions to the Compensation Fund, in a move the Law Society has said will provide ‘crucial protection’. The SRA are consulting on practising certificate fees for 2024/25, proposing it is held […]
Law Society rebrands Money Laundering Task Force as Economic Crime Task Force
The Law Society of England and Wales’ Money Laundering Task Force has taken on a new name as the Economic Crime Task Force, to reflect its current scope and role. The Economic Crime Task Force new terms of reference are: The role of the Economic Crime Task Force is to advise on all matters relating […]
LSB publishes independent review of the SRA’s regulation of SSB Group Limited
The LSB write with regard to the LSB’s review of the SRA’s regulation of SSB Group Limited. They have engaged an independent firm of solicitors, Carson McDowell LLP, to carry out an independent review on our behalf. They have set out below the scope of the review. Please note that the scope of the review […]
Land registration: Practice guide updated: Leases: determination (PG26)
Leases: determination (PG26) Page summary: How leases are determined and how this affects registered titles (practice guide 26). Change made: Section 10 has been amended to clarify our requirements for determination by effluxion of time and determination by notice under section 25 or 27 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. Time updated: 6:00am, 28 […]
SRA ‘should withdraw’ proposals to regulate CILEX members
The Law Society of England and Wales has expressed concern at the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) continued pursuit of regulating authorised and non-authorised members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX). The SRA’s consultation into proposals to regulate non-authorised members of CILEX lacks clear, evidence-based reasons as to the impact of these proposals on […]
Updated practice guides: PG19, PG63, PG52 and PG11
Notices, restrictions and protection of third-party interests (PG19) Page summary: How to apply for a notice or restriction to protect a third-party interest in an estate (practice guide 19). Change made: Section 3.4.5 has been amended to clarify who can and who cannot normally apply for the registration of a consent restriction such as Form […]
