The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) wants to know what people think about changes it's planning to the way solicitors offer their services. The SRA believes the changes will help make solicitors easier to afford and access.

One in ten people think about paying for legal advice but then don't go ahead, mainly because they decide they can't afford it, reports YouGov.

The SRA wants to let solicitors offer legal services even if they don't work in a regulated law firm, and thinks this change could help lower prices.

The type of business a solicitor works in may affect the level of protection their clients have when things go wrong. That's one reason the SRA's plans also aim to help solicitors understand their duty to offer services that meet very high standards.

Paul Phillip, SRA Chief Executive, said: "Our focus has to be on high professional standards set independently in the public interest. That can only be good for the profession and for the public.

"Some of the current rules are out of step with a legal market that is rapidly changing. We plan to give solicitors more freedom to work outside regulated firms. That will give the public more choice, increasing access to high quality legal services at a price they can afford.

"Our proposals for a shorter, sharper and clearer Handbook will free up law firms and individual solicitors to get on with the business of delivering quality legal services, while making sure there is absolute clarity about public protection." A public consultation on the SRA's proposals runs until 21 September 2016.

Have your say

The SRA would like to hear from members of the public, consumer groups and others.

Do you believe the SRA's changes would help you access a solicitor? Do you have any concerns about the changes?

To learn more, or to respond to the consultation, visit the SRA's website