Property body in quality row

PROPERTY solicitors have complained to the Law Society over its plans for a quality standard for conveyancing firms following a tense annual meeting.

The Solicitors' Property Group (SPG) has written to the society condemning the idea and the rapid timetable for its introduction. The complaint follows a row over how the society sought consultation.

Two weeks ago, SPG chair Gerald Funnell said the society treated them like "silly little children" by thrusting the plans on them at short notice.

Leslie Dubow, SPG secretary, says: "We don't object to monitoring, but we object to a kitemark. The cost and bureaucracy would have a catastrophic effect on small firms."