CLC hopes to develop 'specialist' service after strong 2015

The Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) is hoping to build upon a successful 2015 by improving the service and protection it currently provides customers.

In its annual report, the CLC reflected on changes to its regulatory activity last year which included streamlining the licence renewal process and revising the anti-money laundering regime.

Significantly, the council managed to achieve a vote of confidence from parliament in securing the power to issue stand-alone licenses to probate specialists.

In 2016, the CLC hopes to push on and has outlined three major strategic projects in its business plan for the year ahead.

In August 2016, new routes to qualification as a licensed conveyancer or probate practitioner will be launched, increasing access to the legal profession with no need for a degree. Apprenticeships will also be available and supported by the government as part of its Trailblazer programme.

The CLC is also undergoing reviews of its code of conduct and financial protection arrangements. These reviews will take account of changes in the market and best practice in regulation since the CLC's last review.

Following the streamlining of the council's activity in 2015, a review of the regulatory fees framework will also be carried out this year, despite research showing that 81 per cent of CLC regulated firms viewed the costs as value for money compared with 52 per cent of SRA regulated firms.

On the council's objectives for 2016, its chief executive, Sheila Kumar, said: 'This will ensure we are providing the best possible service to consumers and fostering innovation and competition for progressive providers of conveyancing and probate services.'

CLC chair Dame Janet Paraskeva added: '2016 will see us continuing to focus on the core objective of exploring to the full the benefits of specialist regulation of specialist property law services providers. Specialisation delivers high standards of consumer protection in conveyancing and probate, the two most widely used legal services.

'I have been told repeatedly since taking up the role of chair that those we regulate value our supportive approach that helps them comply with regulation to protect the consumer and develop thriving businesses. The CLC's approach is unique in the sector, reflecting its original and ongoing mission to promote innovation and competition while protecting the consumer.'