Land Registry Wants To Prove Identity - At Last?
Review of the Land Registration Rules 2003
A new consultation was launched on 8 October 2007 inviting comments on our proposals to amend the Land Registration Rules 2003 following an extensive internal review.
The review looked for ways to improve practice for the benefit of our customers and reduce the administrative burden of land registration.
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.
The consultation period will end on 14 January 2008.
There is no statutory requirement to consult on land registration rules, but, in accordance with our usual practice, we wish to do so to give conveyancers, lenders and other property professionals, as well as members of the public, the chance to comment. Our credit account holders have received invitations to participate. Copies of the consultation document have been sent to a wide range of government departments and agencies, representative bodies and individuals.
View the consultation document