Grayling rejects will writing as a reserved activity

Grayling rejects will writing as a reserved activity

17 May 2013

Justice secretary Chris Grayling’s decision not to make will writing a reserved activity has been met with disappointment from many parts of the legal and consumer sectors.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice statement, Mr Grayling rejected the LSB’s claim that consumers are being harmed by the lack of “reserved legal activity” status and that further efforts should be made to see if alternative measures can be made more effective before resorting to reservation.

Among the suggestions put forward were more targeted guidance for the legal profession and the strengthening of existing regulation of authorised persons. This, combined with voluntary regulation schemes and codes of practice for non-authorised providers would be a better solution.

Amongst those expressing regret at the decision were the Council of Licensed Conveyancers.

Chair of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, Anna Bradley said:

“Consumers expect very high standards of protection when it comes to will writing services. Anyone writing a will wants the peace of mind that comes from knowing their wishes will be carried out faithfully and that requires a well written will. We will seek to work with will writers to provide those standards of consumer protection through voluntary but rigorous arrangements. We believe this is in line with our responsibilities under the Legal Services Act.”

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