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Following an internal review, Land Registry is seeking views on its proposals to amend the Land Registration Rules 2003. The review looked for ways to improve practice for the benefit of customers and reduce the administrative burden of land registration.

Although there is no statutory requirement to consult on land registration rules, Land Registry is inviting views from solicitors, conveyancers and other property professionals as well as members of the public. The consultation period runs from 8 October 2007 until 14 January 2008.

Many of the proposals are to amend existing rules (for example, to improve application and disposition forms), but there are some that would introduce new practice, such as:

• a requirement on conveyancers to provide, on application forms, confirmation as to the identity of parties they are acting for

• making exceptions to public inspection of documents in the case of those that relate to identity evidence or the investigation and prevention of fraud and other crime

• the use of statements of truth as an alternative to statutory declarations.

Copies of the consultation document are being sent to a wide range of government departments and agencies, representative bodies and individuals.

Notes to Editors

1. Interested parties can read the consultation document on the Land Registry's e-consultation website and reply online at www.consultations.landregistry.gov.uk . Further information can be obtained by ringing the helpline on 0191 301 2448.

2. With the world’s largest property database of over 21 million titles, Land Registry underpins the economy by safeguarding ownership of many billions of pounds worth of property. Around £1million worth of property is processed every minute in England and Wales.

3. As a government department established in 1862, executive agency and trading fund responsible to the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Land Registry keeps and maintains the Land Register for England and Wales. The Land Register has been an open document since 1990.

4. For further information about Land Registry, please visit www.landregistry.gov.uk  

Contact

Marion Shelley 020 7166 4543
marion.shelley@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk  

Heather Edwards 020 7166 4487
heather.edwards@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk