AMENDMENTS ACCEPTED

Peers backed a motion for the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC) to delegate service and conduct complaints-handling to approved regulators such as the Bar Standards Board (BSB). They also supported the Bar Council amendment which would provide more safeguards for lawyers against the threat of unjustified legal costs. These votes were won with majorities of 50 and 56 votes. The bill moves to its third reading in the Lords this week and is expected to begin its Commons’ stages in early June.