Surrey Law Society submits response to MoJ consultation on client account interest

9th February 2026

Surrey Law Society submits response to MoJ consultation on client account interest (ILCA)

Surrey Law Society has now submitted its response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the proposed
Interest on Lawyers’ Client Accounts Scheme (ILCA).

The response has been prepared on behalf of Society members and is informed by direct feedback received through a member survey,
alongside wider discussion across the profession. Members from firms of all sizes and practice areas shared their views, with a
strong and consistent level of concern expressed about the proposals.

Key points raised by members

Concerns around proportionality and the introduction of further administrative and compliance burden in an already heavily regulated area.
Increased operational risk, including the potential need for changes to banking arrangements and increased exposure to fraud.
Objections in principle to the diversion of interest generated on client money, and questions about the underlying policy rationale.
Concerns about the impact on firm viability, client costs and access to justice, particularly for high street practices and legal aid provision.

Surrey Law Society’s response reflects these views and is broadly aligned with the position taken by The Law Society in opposing the
introduction of an ILCA scheme. The Society has urged the Ministry of Justice not to proceed with the proposals as currently framed.

Consultation deadline extended

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the deadline for consultation submissions has been extended to
9 March 2026.

Surrey Law Society encourages members who have not yet done so to consider submitting an individual response, in addition to
the Society’s submission.

View the SLS response

Submit an MoJ response

If you prefer to access the pages directly, please use the links below: