header-logo header-logo

No time for bad law

23 July 2009 / Mark Parkhouse , Andrew Jackson
Issue: 7379 / Categories: Opinion , Regulatory , Banking
printer mail-detail

Pragmatism, not fast law, will help
the UK exit the recession say
Mark Parkhouse & Andrew Jackson

Inadequate banking regulation in the UK has, arguably, led to a shrinking economy, increased unemployment and an increase in business failures. In the wake of the recession, economists are debating whom to blame, where to shift the power, and what tools to use to prevent future failures.

Alistair Darling is sticking by the strengths and weaknesses of the tripartite system. This division of labour allocates responsibilities between the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the Bank of England and the Treasury. Each institution has come under criticism for a lack of effective communication prior to the recession, and for not taking sufficient preventative action early enough.

Whereas Mervyn King politely blames the government for the downturn, and appears willing to initiate a campaign for greater centralised power in the Bank of England. Mr King has spoken out over the “extraordinary” budget deficit and the failure of the Treasury to consult with him over reform

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Freeths—Ruth Clare

Freeths—Ruth Clare

National real estate team bolstered by partner hire in Manchester

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Farrer & Co—Claire Gordon

Partner appointed head of family team

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

mfg Solicitors—Neil Harrison

Firm strengthens agriculture and rural affairs team with partner return

NEWS
Conveyancing lawyers have enjoyed a rapid win after campaigning against UK Finance’s decision to charge for access to the Mortgage Lenders’ Handbook
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has launched a recruitment drive for talented early career and more senior barristers and solicitors
Regulators differed in the clarity and consistency of their post-Mazur advice and guidance, according to an interim report by the Legal Services Board (LSB)
The Solicitors Act 1974 may still underpin legal regulation, but its age is increasingly showing. Writing in NLJ this week, Victoria Morrison-Hughes of the Association of Costs Lawyers argues that the Act is ‘out of step with modern consumer law’ and actively deters fairness
A Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruling has reopened debate on the availability of ‘user damages’ in competition claims. Writing in NLJ this week, Edward Nyman of Hausfeld explains how the CAT allowed Dr Liza Lovdahl Gormsen’s alternative damages case against Meta to proceed, rejecting arguments that such damages are barred in competition law
back-to-top-scroll