23 August 2005

Subject: Future Communications

Evan

I have been concerned for some time about the volume of e-mail communications I, and others in the FSA, have been receiving from you. I estimate that at least 60 have been received by me alone since April 2005. There is also the range of subjects to take into account, ranging from long-standing matters such as Lautro charges and FOS awards, to more recent matters such as free-masonry. I have also observed that many of the communications are expressed aggressively or in ways that show a consistently hostile approach to what the FSA is trying to achieve.

Many of your queries have been answered, although some remain outstanding. Nevertheless, I have reached the view that the time of our staff should now no longer be spent in dealing with your many and various queries. Their time can be better spent dealing with the many other queries we receive from firms and consumers. I have therefore instructed staff that they should not respond to or acknowledge any further communications received from you. All future communications will simply be filed. This does not of course include communications in which you are exercising your right to request information under the Freedom of Information Act, which requests will continue to be dealt with in accordance with the Act.

I have previously suggested we meet, with a view to discussing the various issues you have in relation to our regulation and the regulatory regime. You have to date declined my invitation. You may wish to reconsider your position, in light of the above.

I invite you to publish this e-mail, in full, on your website.

 

David Kenmir

Managing Director, Regulatory Services Business Unit