Special rule changes 21 Power to direct special rule changes (1) A regulator may, on the application of a legal services provider that it regulates, direct that any rule of the regulator— 35 (a) does not apply to the provider, or (b) applies to the provider with such modifications as may be specified in the direction. 17 Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill Part 1—Regulatory framework Chapter 2—regulators (2) A direction may be given only if the regulator considers it— (a) desirable for the purpose of enabling a new or alternative way of providing or regulating legal services to be piloted, or (b) reasonable and proportionate for the purpose of— 5 (i) avoiding a regulatory conflict, (ii) removing an unnecessary rule, or (iii) making a rule less onerous. (3) A direction may not disapply or modify a rule that regulates (in respect of a legal services provider)— 10 (a) conduct or discipline, or 1 (b) the handling of complaints. (4) Where a regulator considers that giving a direction could have the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition to any significant extent, it must, before giving the direction, consult the Competition and Markets Authority on the effect of the direction. 15 (5) A copy of each direction must be given to— (a) the legal services provider to whom it relates, (b) the Lord President, and (c) the Scottish Ministers. (6) A direction— 20 (a) must specify the day on which it comes into force, (b) may be subject to conditions, and (c) may make different provision for different purposes. (7) A direction ceases to have effect on whichever day is the earlier of— (a) if the direction specifies that it ceases to have effect on a particular day, that day, 25 (b) if the direction is revoked under section 22, the day on which the revocation comes into force, or (c) the day which is five years after the day on which the direction comes into force. (8) An application under this section must be made in such manner as the regulator may direct. 30 (9) In this section— “direction” means, in relation to a regulator, a direction given (or to be given) by the regulator under subsection (1) (including as it may be amended under section 22), “regulator” means a category 1 or category 2 regulator or an approved regulator 35 of licensed providers, “rule” means, in relation to a regulator, a rule (including a rule in a scheme) made in the exercise of the regulator’s regulatory functions. 18 Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill Part 1—Regulatory framework Chapter 2—regulators (10) A function conferred on a regulator by this section or section 22 is a regulatory function of the regulator (see also sections 3 and 7). 22 Powers to amend or revoke directions (1) A regulator may— 5 (a) amend a direction on the application of the legal services provider to whom it relates, or (b) revoke a direction. (2) The Lord President may revoke a direction at any time by giving notice to— (a) the regulator that gave the direction, 10 (b) the legal services provider to whom the direction relates, and 1 (c) the Scottish Ministers. (3) Section 21(2) to (8) applies to an amendment under subsection (1) as it applies to a direction. (4) Section 21(5) and (6)(a) applies to a revocation under subsection (1) as it applies to a 15 direction. (5) Section 21(6)(a) applies to a revocation under subsection (2) as it applies to a direction. (6) In this section, “direction” and “regulator” have the meanings given in section 21(9). 23 Reports on directions (1) For each reporting period, a regulator must prepare a report on each relevant direction. 20 (2) The report must state and explain the regulator’s opinion on whether the direction is still— (a) in accordance with section 21(2)(a) or (b), (b) compatible with the regulatory objectives, and (c) most appropriate to meet those objectives. 25 (3) The reporting periods are— (a) an initial period of two years beginning with the day on which the direction comes into force, and (b) a further period of two years beginning with the day immediately after the initial period. 30 (4) The regulator must provide a copy of each report to the Lord President as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the period to which to report relates. (5) In this section— “regulator” has the meaning given by section 21(9), “relevant direction” means, in relation to a regulator, a direction given by the 35 regulator under section 21(1) (including as it may be amended) that is still in force. 19 Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill Part 1—Regulatory framework Chapter 3—New regulators of legal services 24 Register of directions (1) A regulator must establish and maintain a register of relevant directions. (2) The register must for each direction— (a) contain a copy of— 5 (i) the application for the direction, (ii) the direction, (iii) any application to amend the direction, (iv) any amendments to the direction, and (v...