The SRA has today published its promised guidance on pricing transparency, reminding firms that they have until December to update their websites to include things like the following:
- Pricing information, including details of exactly what is included, whether VAT is included, etc.
- Typical timescales and key stages.
- The experience and qualifications of all individuals carrying out the work.
- The experience and qualifications of those supervising these individuals.
The rules currently only apply to the following work types/services:
For members of the public
- Residential conveyancing (Freehold sale or purchase, leasehold sale or purchase, mortgages and re-mortgages).
- Probate (uncontested cases with all assets in the UK).
- Motoring offences (summary only offences).
- Employment tribunals (claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal).
- Immigration (excluding asylum applications)
For small businesses
- Debt recovery (up to £100,000).
- Employment tribunals (defending claims for unfair or wrongful dismissal).
- Licensing applications for business premises (new applications or varying existing licenses).
All of this is due to come into effect from December, so firms don’t have long.
The SRA is also going to provide firms that it regulates with a digital badge, which all firms will need to display on their website. Whilst this isn’t ready yet, the SRA hopes to make it available later this year.
The new guidance can be found here.