Views sought on SLCC approach to new public interest powers

The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) is consulting on its approach to discharging new public interest powers. The powers – to disclose information about complaints and to make complaints in the public interest – are delivered by the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025. A date has not yet been set by the Scottish Government for commencement of the powers, but the SLCC has proposed commencement of all changes to its complaint powers on 1 July 2027.

Commenting on the consultation, Vicky Crichton, Director of Public Policy said, “These two new, important powers, will help to protect the public and to avoid future harm. They allow us to take action to make complaints where necessary to ensure actions are investigated, or to disclose information about complaints where appropriate.

“Our draft policies set out when and how we will use these powers, and the tests we will apply to make those decisions.

“We’d welcome views from anyone who uses, or provides legal services, as well as consumer groups, the regulators we oversee and other stakeholders. Comments and any suggestions for improvements on our proposals will help to ensure they are robust, transparent and proportionate.”

The SLCC’s consultations can be viewed at: https://www.scottishlegalcomplaints.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-consultations/ and are open until 5pm on 8 January 2027.