Call for reduction in complaints levy on solicitors

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission should at least follow their own logic and make a substantial reduction in the levy imposed on solicitors to match a fall in complaints received.

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) have confirmed proposals to freeze the levy which must be paid by every practising solicitor in 2021/22. However, we say that this does not go far enough at a time when the profession is suffering the harsh economic reality of the pandemic.

Law Society President, Amanda Millar, said: “The SLCC has justified inflation-busting rises in the levy in recent years by pointing to an increase in complaints received. Their annual report shows complaint numbers dropped by a substantial percentage last year, so according to their own logic the levy should likewise fall.

“While the Law Society has always disputed that the increase in complaints has justified the size of the increase, the SLCC should not have it both ways. If the two figures are to be linked when it’s to the SLCC’s benefit, they should also be linked when it benefits the profession.”

Complaints to the SLCC in 2019/20 dropped by 22% compared to the previous year (1,326 to 1,036).