Law Society alerts members regarding Registers of Scotland rejection fee

From Monday 9 February, firms will be charged a £30 rejection fee for failed applications to RoS.

This follows the end of the grace period in which rejection fees were not charged.

The Law Society said it had discussions with RoS 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, there will be a dedicated helpline operated by RoS.

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 RoS 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 Law Society’s professional practice team for a confidential discussion on0131 226 8896.