The Solicitors Regulation Authority has apologised for delays to online practising certificate renewal as it starts to clear the backlog of applications.

For the first time, the SRA has replaced postal forms and cheques with web-based processes for both applications and payment. However, the automated system encountered initial problems with solicitors complaining that the system was slow or prone to errors.

With the deadline for renewals due next month, the SRA said today it has begun to outsource some calls to its contact centre and extended the opening hours.

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