Committee publication · Correspondence · 14 July 2026
Correspondence from Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, dated 13 July 2026: Public Bodies Review of the Legal Services Board
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, informs the Justice Committee that an independent review of the Legal Services Board (LSB) as a public body, led by Richard Lloyd, has concluded. The review examined the LSB's strategic clarity, statutory remit, governance, and organisational capability within the existing Legal Services Act 2007 framework. The report concludes the LSB has lost strategic focus but identifies practical recommendations to refocus on consumer protection, regulatory oversight, and collaboration between the LSB, MoJ, and frontline regulators.
Key findings
- Richard Lloyd's review acknowledges serious regulatory failures across the legal services system with adverse consequences for consumers.
- The LSB has 'in some respects, lost its way' and must refocus on consumer protection and strategic oversight.
- Review recommends proportionate, risk-based oversight focused on outcomes while respecting the LSB's operational independence.
- Report highlights opportunities for enhanced effectiveness through closer collaboration between LSB, MoJ, and frontline regulators.
- New LSB leadership has already implemented organisational changes aligned with the review's recommendations; Government will publish formal response outlining which recommendations are accepted.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Sarah Sackman KC MP, Andy Slaughter MP, Richard Lloyd, Legal Services Board, Ministry of Justice, Justice Select Committee
Notable line
“… the LSB has, in some respects, lost its way and must take steps to refocus on consumer protection and strategic oversight.”
Key Quotes
“Richard Lloyd 's report acknowledges that a series of serious regulatory failures have occurred across the system and that these have had adverse consequences for consumers.”
“… the LSB has, in some respects, lost its way and must take steps to refocus on consumer protection and strategic oversight.”
“… the report also highlights opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the LSB's oversight of legal services regulation through closer collaboration between the LSB, the MoJ, and frontline regulators.”
“The Government will set out its response, outlining which recommendations have been accepted, in due course.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗