Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that customers who lose money as a result of unreasonable delays in the provision of legal services are compensated when the use of a specific legal service provider was stipulated by the bank to which they are applying for a fixed mortgage.

Complaints about the service provided by authorised legal services professionals are handled independently by the Legal Ombudsman. The Legal Ombudsman in resolving a complaint may require the payment of compensation to the complainant where it is deemed appropriate based on the facts of the case.

More broadly, the Government is regularly in contact with mortgage lenders on all aspects of their business. However, it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on, or intervene in, commercial decisions – including decisions around conveyancing – made by mortgage lenders. The UK benefits from a competitive mortgage market, and those seeking a mortgage provider that allows borrowers to choose their own legal service provider are encouraged to shop around to find a lender that meets their needs.