The Law Society of Scotland is notifying its members that the grace period for the Registers of Scotland rejection fee is ending.
From Monday 9 February 2015, firms will be charged a £30 rejection fee for failed applications to Registers of Scotland. This follows the end of the grace period in which rejection fees were not charged.
The Society has had discussions with Registers of Scotland to try and extend the grace period, but has been advised that it is not possible. There are no plans to review the fee which has been set by Scottish Ministers and approved by the Scottish Parliament.
Updated guidance has been published on www.ros.gov.uk and some changes have been made regarding the information required in connection with non-natural persons, which aim to reduce the most common reason for rejection.
From Monday 9 February, there will be a dedicated helpline operated by Registers of Scotland. Solicitors are encouraged to contact the helpline on 0800 0289 311 for advice on the completion of applications and general guidance on how to avoid rejections. Support for preparing multiple applications for registration will continue to be available through the customer service centres.
The Law Society will be working closely with the Registers of Scotland rejection team and meeting regularly to try and reduce rejection rates by gaining a better understanding of the type and volume of issues being raised. Rejection rates are currently at a similar level to pre-2011, before the rejection fee was introduced.
Solicitors with queries about the registration process are welcome to contact the Society’s Professional Practice team for a confidential discussion on 0131 226 8896.
ENDS 5 February 2014
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Members can contact the Professional Practice team on 0131 226 8896.
If you have any concerns about possible inconsistencies in the handling of rejected applications and wish these to be brought to the attention of Registers of Scotland, please email [email protected] with a summary of the issue as well as specific details of affected transactions and notes of application numbers.
Journalists can contact Sarah Sutton on 0131 476 8170 or email [email protected].
