SLCC focus on core duties welcomed, but efficiencies must be delivered
The Law Society of Scotland has urged the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission to deliver efficiencies to minimise cost increases on solicitors in its response to the organisation’s draft budget and operating plan for 2024-25.
The SLCC is forecasting an overall increase in its expenditure of 15%, with spending to increase by over half a million pounds, which would mean a proposed general levy increase of 13% for solicitors.
In its response to the proposals, the Law Society said it supported the SLCC’s intention to focus on core duties but has pressed the organisation to reconsider aspects of the draft budget, including using more of its reserves to reduce the proposed levy on solicitors for 2024-25.
The Law Society has also requested that the SLCC set out more clearly how it envisages delivering reforms under the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, currently going through the Scottish Parliament, along with detail on the anticipated costs and any medium to long-term savings, given the changes are intended to simplify and speed up the system.
Diane McGiffen, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We understand the importance of the SLCC’s work and it is essential that it has the means to carry out its statutory duties to ensure members of the public have confidence in the legal complaints process.
“It’s why we have welcomed the SLCC’s proposals for a focused operating plan based on its key statutory functions. This has been a key request of the Law Society over a number of years to ensure all of the SLCC’s activity and expenditure is rooted in the specific, important responsibilities entrusted to it by parliament.
“We also recognise that the budget consultation anticipates much-needed reforms under the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill, which, once passed, is likely to mean additional work and, as a result, additional costs. However it is important that those paying the SLCC levy are not burdened with costs that may not materialise over the course of the next year.”