My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor has made the following written ministerial statement:

“I will be introducing the Legal Services Bill today and so setting out the Government’s proposals for the regulatory reform of legal services in England and Wales.

The Bill sets out proposals for a new legislative framework for the regulation of legal services. This includes a legal services board, an office for legal complaints and the facilitation of alternative business structures, all of which are designed to help ensure the delivery of first rate and consumer focused legal services. The Bill also provides statutory objectives and guiding principles for all partners in the regulatory framework. It will provide effective and proportionate regulation while imposing the minimum burden necessary.

The Government are committed to putting in place a regulatory framework that puts the interests of the consumer first. A framework that will encourage more competition, innovation and transparency in the provision of legal services, but also one which will safeguard the independence and reputation of the legal professions”.