The number of misconduct reports submitted to the Solicitors Regulation Authority have risen by more than half over the past two years, according to data from the SRA.
The regulator said in the six months to the end of April 2026 it had reviewed 8,955 reports about potential misconduct – an average of 1,493 new reports a month – representing a 58% increase on the number of reports recorded for the six months to the end of April 2024.
Investigating those misconduct reports is placing greater resource strains on the SRA at a time when it is facing heightened criticism for its oversight of failing firms. To try and ease those pressures, earlier this month the SRA proposed to hike fees for solicitors to help it raise an additional £111.5m in funding.
Misconduct reports are reviewed by the SRA’s assessment and early resolution team, who then decide if they should be formally investigated. Out of the 8,955 reports received in the six months to April, 1,322 reports were escalated – an average of 220 investigations a month. That is a 41% increase in investigations compared to two years ago.
Jonathan Peddie, executive director for investigations, enforcement and litigation at the SRA, said: “We’ve seen an unprecedented increase in the reports we receive, putting significant pressure on our approach and resources. In the short term, we have diverted resources from elsewhere, but this isn’t sustainable as we need strength in all areas.
“As outlined in our recently published draft business plan, we need to consider a range of fundamental changes to the way we work in response to this changing dynamic. This will ensure we can continue to protect the public and uphold confidence in legal services.”
At the end of April, the SRA had 1,844 open investigations linked to reports of potential misconduct.
The SRA published its draft 2026/27 business plan for consultation earlier this month, seeking a 29% increase in overall funding. Under the plans, the SRA-related portion of individual practising certificate fees will rise from £190 to £240, covering 40% of the SRA’s funding. Law firm fees, which are calculated on turnover and make up 60% of the total, will also increase.
Sarah Rapson, the SRA’s chief executive, said the draft plan outlined “a shift in regulatory effort to focus on where the risks to the public are greatest”.
She said: “This includes doing more to identify issues earlier, working more closely with firms where that helps prevent harm, and being clearer about where the SRA will focus its time and resources.”
The SRA has come under increased scrutiny following several high-profile law firm collapses over the past three years, including the failure of Axiom Ince and more recently Sheffield-based PM Law Group in February.
Axiom Ince’s collapse spurred the Legal Services Board to initiate unprecedented enforcement against the SRA for its oversight failings.
Email your news and story ideas to: [email protected]
