I disagree that is not the role for lender's to provide such information. In the event of a complaint about the service from a "fees free solicitor", it is lender who handles (and is the subject of) the complaint under the FCA/FOS rules and not the solicitor through the Legal Ombudsman. The solicitor is a 3rd party acting for the lender only and has no direct responsibility to the borrower. As this could affect lenders' complaints records, I would suggest it is essential they are able to demonstrate to the FCA that they are managing their panel solicitors. Thereon, judging by the poor service consistently provided by some of these firms, it seems highly likely some lenders are not monitoring the service at all. Holding the lenders to account seems to be the only way to improve matters and perhaps requiring them to publish service data. As for suggesting "the independent schemes for solicitor accreditation would be sufficient" demonstrates a complete lack of awareness on the part of UK Finance. CQS does not ensure good administrative standards and does not provide recourse for complainants to hold the solicitor to account for poor service for "fees free" work. My constant push for all lenders is to offer all their remortgage products with a cashback option. This enables the lenders' in-house advisers to offer the fees free service and for brokers to provide a choice based on their experience. If the large panel firms are not competing on service, they will see fewer brokers recommend them and choose the cashback option. Either the large panel firms will improve or they will shrink. It will also ensure a more even distribution of business. With a cashback option, the lender is no longer responsible for the complaint as it passes to the solicitor who acts for both borrower and lender. Brokers will then more actively monitor the solicitors they recommend ensuring a smoother process for borrowers and fewer complaints. Nationwide was bold to stop offering free legals, but I suspect has returned to them as many brokers are still not up to scratch with the alternatives, so carried on ticking free legals when sourcing.