Preliminary findings from a Goldsmith Williams survey suggests that brokers feel let down by lenders’ panel solicitors.

The online research study, which is still in progress, has revealed that approximately 80% of brokers feel that the quality of service provided by lender panel solicitors is either poor or, at best, average.

Broker complaints include poor or non-existent communications, the refusal of solicitors to pay referral fees, slow response times and poor quality service from call centre staff.

Eddie Goldsmith , senior partner at Goldsmith Williams, said: “Mortgage brokers are being badly let down by lender panel solicitors at a time when they have every right to expect far better. Lender fee free deals are a major bone of contention