Hi Malcolm

I refer to your helpful article on the applications for rates statements [the so-called "Attorneys Reports"] and I got to thinking why I don't use the L@W interface to apply for the rates statements electronically.

I used to use L@W some time back when I was still on the panel of a certain bank which used L@W as the "gateway". Although I received very few instructions, I had to be on the L@W system and besides the charge per matter, there was a minimum monthly charge so I really just ended up paying amounts (not recoverable from clients) for a service which was not really of any benefit to me. When I "resigned" from L@W, then all of a sudden there was internal e mail in that organization [which they unknowingly copied me on] to the effect that they do not want to lose subscribers and each case must be assessed on merit and the further usual marketing blah and more blah.

In any event, all my applications for rates statements are submitted manually, payments are made manually and I have my rates clearance certificates collected manually. Why? you may ask. The answer is simple. I have control. I know when I submit my application by e mail. I know who it goes to. I have an acknowledgment [and a follow up if there is none] and therefor a "paper trail". I am not bound to the monopoly of the single "vendor" and therefor not bound to this organizations vagaries of cost. Funny thing, it seems to work.

And then I read that you say: "At present the Metro processes between 3000 and 4000 applications per month, of which 600 were previously manual applications. Since the change they now receive some 2400 applications as manual applications." This means essentially that more than half, more or less, of all applications are still done manually.

As that ad used to proclaim: Makes you think, yes?

Maybe it is time that our esteemed municipality did away with the "gateway" through an undeserved single monopolistic software vendor and opens up the system so that attorneys can apply directly, possibly through a "register first" web-based gateway.

Regards
Sieg
[Conveyancer, Pinetown]