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Council Member’s Report
Council Member’s Report
BY SUSHILA ABRAHAM
As I write this report I hope we step into Spring with some sunshine in the air.
We have all seen the Spring budget and the Law Society had submitted recommendations to the government on how the Spring budget could be used to maximise the economic value of legal services. A number of matters affect the profession and we have to be prepared. There will be the digitising of jury bundles, the family courts to offer online targeted guidance and earlier legal advice to shorten wait times and support families through noncourt dispute resolution. There are also plans to introduce a new online information and guidance tool to support earlier resolution of family disputes and divert cases away from the family courts. The expanding of Legal Aid to encompass early legal advice in private family law proceedings for parties considering an application to the family court for childcare arrangements.
There will also be support for small businesses to develop AI skills of the future, which will complement the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce that is due to launch soon. There are also initiatives within the property sphere, aimed at boosting long-term rentals, streamlining inheritance tax procedures, and refining housing investment strategies. Concerns have been raised about the new Transaction Forms (TA6) in conveyancing and it is back on the drawing table to be looked into carefully. There is a lot to look out for and when I have more information from the Law Society I will let you know.
One important matter which I would request that you respond to is the consultation on the Increase in our Practising Certificate fees. It is vital that you take part and do respond. Here is the link : https://lawsociety.questionpro.eu/a/ TakeSurvey?tt=DBiuUA5lu8bJb8sqNRKrDw%3D%3D
As to the matter relating to 60 Carey Street, whether we should retain it and develop it, or sell it, the Council overwhelmingly voted for Carey Street to be retained and developed to make it accessible and to be used for the benefit of our members.
If there are any further matters that you would like to speak to me about then please do not hesitate to contact me and I will also be happy to take matters to the Law Society.
I would once again request that if you have not updated your details on MyLS then please do it and if you have not registered on MyLS then please do register in order to receive updates etc.
I am here if you have any issues that you wish to discuss with me and would like me to take to the Law Society. ■
Sushila Abraham
Law Society Council Member for Surrey
