Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Housing Solicitors

Private management of Land Registry would give companies access to valuable data, says Law Society (21 May 2014)

Date: 21/05/2014
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Private management of Land Registry would give companies access to valuable data, says Law Society

The Law Society has said that transferring the Land Registry (LR) from being a publicly-run organisation to the private sector would not only pose a risk to conveyancers – which include both specialist law firms and licensed conveyancers – but would also give private firms access to “valuable data”.

Last week, Land Registry staff went on strike for two days in protest at government plans to place the Land Registry in private hands, although the government would retain authority over the LR.

The strike on May 14/15 is only the second time that Land Registry staff have decided to strike in the organisation’s 150-year history.

Land Registry staff provide a safety net for conveyancers, as they “check, screen and assess documents, interpreting Land Law – and LR itself guarantees title”, The Law Society Gazette points out.

“Self-serve and e-mandation will shift that responsibility to the legal profession – any privatisation of LR would also give private companies access to valuable data,” the Gazette says.

New owners of a property have their ownership registered on the property’s Title Deeds at the Land Registry once a purchase is completed. The interest of any other party regarding ownership of a property is also registered at the Land Registry, including a mortgage lender or partner.

Online estate agent MoovRight has also expressed concern over the government’s plans to place the Land Registry into private management.

Director of MoovRight, Lynne McArthur, said:

“It’s difficult to gauge the long-term effects that this transition would bring about, but our biggest concern relates to our customers.

“However, as long as changes don’t negatively affect the conveyancing of titles, the moving process or the privacy of our clients, we would support such a move if that is how the situation resolves itself.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of housing solicitors and can advise on housing matters, including debt and mortgage repossession, housing possession and unlawful eviction.

Duncan Lewis s also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and can advise rental tenants on housing benefit, disrepair of rental property, Landlord & Tenant disputes and malicious eviction.

For expert help with housing law contact Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


For all Housing related matter contact us now.Contact Us

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is 143-149 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 6BL. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.