Campaigners warn landowners could block free Land Registry access
The UK government plans to end fees for Land Registry ownership data, but campaigners say landowners may oppose the move during an eight-week consultation.
At a glance
- The government plans to remove fees for public access to Land Registry data on land ownership in England and Wales.
- An eight-week public consultation is open, and campaigners warn landowners may try to block the proposals.
- The government says at least 10% of land ownership in England is currently unknown.
The UK government has proposed giving the public free access for the first time to Land Registry information on who owns land in England and Wales, campaigners said on Tuesday, warning that landowners could block the plans.
The proposals would end fees for public sector bodies, including government departments and local authorities, and create a new free public dataset identifying the owners of significant land-holdings across most of England and Wales, while excluding ordinary homeowners. More sensitive details could be shared with investigators, civil society groups and regulators able to demonstrate a clear public interest. The plans are subject to an eight-week public consultation.
The Land Registry is an arm’s length body overseen by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and The Guardian has reported internal rifts between it and the government over how far to open the register to scrutiny. Guy Shrubsole, author of Who Owns England?, urged people to submit their views, describing the proposal as bold and sensible and linking the question of ownership to the Domesday Book.
A government spokesperson said at least 10% of land ownership in England is currently unknown and that greater transparency would support housebuilding, infrastructure and nature recovery. Roger Mortlock, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, welcomed the move, saying it would help make the most of every hectare for homes, food or nature.
However, Gavin Lane, president of the Country Land and Business Association, warned that making more personal information public could leave families vulnerable to fraud and identity theft, especially with AI. Campaigners said centuries of secrecy over land ownership might finally end, but only if enough members of the public respond to the consultation.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- What is the government proposing about the Land Registry?
- It plans to end charges for public access to information on who owns land in England and Wales, with an eight-week consultation underway.
- Who has raised concerns about the plans?
- Gavin Lane of the Country Land and Business Association warned that publishing more personal information could expose families to fraud and identity theft.
- How much land ownership is currently unknown?
- The government says at least 10% of land ownership in England is currently unknown.
