The Solicitors Regulation Authority has launched a consultation on its proposed Business Plan and Funding Requirements for 2026/27, setting out significant proposed changes to regulatory priorities, operational activity and practising certificate fees.
.

The consultation includes a substantial proposed increase in regulatory funding, alongside plans for increased investment in investigations and enforcement, proactive supervision, technology, intelligence and organisational transformation.
.

The proposals are likely to be of significant interest across the profession, particularly given the scale of the proposed fee increases and wider discussions around regulatory effectiveness, consumer protection and the future sustainability of the Compensation Fund.
.

What is being proposed?

The proposals include:

• An increase in the SRA’s overall funding requirement from £86.5 million to £111.5 million
• An increase in the individual SRA practising certificate fee from £190 to £240
• A proposed increase in Compensation Fund contributions from £70 to £120 for individuals and from £1,950 to £3,600 for firms holding client money
• Expansion of proactive supervision and earlier risk identification activity
• Increased investment in investigations, enforcement, IT systems and operational transformation
• Greater use of intelligence, data analytics and technology to support regulation
• Continued focus on high-risk areas including client money, high volume consumer claims and firm failures

The SRA states that these proposals are intended to support organisational transformation, strengthen consumer protection and improve regulatory performance.
.

Why this matters

The consultation raises important questions for the profession around:

• The proportionality and affordability of proposed fee increases
• The future sustainability of the Compensation Fund
• Regulatory priorities and accountability
• The impact on smaller firms and consumer-facing practice areas
• The balance between proactive supervision and enforcement activity
• Long-term approaches to client money protection and regulatory reform.

This is therefore an important opportunity for firms and individuals to help shape the future direction of regulation and ensure the practical realities facing the profession are properly reflected.
.

Have your say

Surrey Law Society will be submitting a response to the consultation informed by member feedback.
.

We would be very grateful if you could share your views via our short member survey:
https://forms.office.com/e/iRLPgjq40D
.

Please respond by Monday 15 June 2026 to allow us to reflect member views in our submission.
.

The SRA consultation itself remains open until 23 June 2026.
.

Further information and the full consultation document can be viewed here:
SRA Business Plan and Funding Requirements 2026/27 Consultation
.