SRA Handbook

Decision period

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Rule 5: Decision period

5.1

The SRA must:

(a)

decide an authorisation application;

(b)

notify the applicant body of its decision;

(c)

if it decides to refuse the application, set out in the notice the reasons for the refusal;

before the end of the decision period.

5.2

The decision period is the period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the application is made to the SRA in accordance with these rules.

5.3

The SRA may, on one occasion, give the applicant body a notice (an "extension notice") extending the decision period by a period specified in the notice.

5.4

But:

(a)

an extension notice must only be given before the time when the decision period would end, but for the extension notice; and

(b)

the total decision period must not exceed 9 months.

5.5

An extension notice must set out the reasons for the extension.

Guidance notes

(i)

See Rule 2.2 above for when an application is made.

(ii)

The SRA will extend the period for making a decision if it considers this necessary for the proper consideration of the application (see paragraph 2 of Schedule 11 to the LSA).

(iii)

The means of notice or notification can include any form of written electronic communication normally used for business purposes, such as emails.