Future of Access to HMLR Information

Overview

Topic of this consultation 

This consultation seeks views on a package of proposals to improve access to HM Land Registry (HMLR) data and accelerate completion of the Land Register, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.  

The consultation is published by HMLR, on behalf of and jointly with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It seeks evidence on the benefits, risks and impacts of the proposals and will inform future policy decisions, implementation and any necessary legislative changes. 

Scope of this consultation 

The proposals are to: 

• publish a new dataset of the owners of significant land holdings on the register; 
• give public sector users cost-free access to information held on HMLR title registers; 
• give all users cost-free access to information held on HMLR title registers relating to commercially owned and significant land holdings; 
• extend public sector access to other users with public interest objectives; and 
• accelerate completion of the register of title by exploring options such as linking government land use payments to registration of the land. 

Alongside these proposals, the government is also seeking views on whether HMLR should introduce safeguards for its publications and have powers to suppress or restrict access to information on the register of title in limited circumstances where there is evidence of a significant risk of harm. 

The full consultation document provides further information on the proposals, supporting evidence, potential benefits, data protection and privacy considerations, and possible safeguards. 

Geographical scope 

This consultation applies to England and Wales. 

Duration 

This consultation will run for eight weeks, from the 27th October to 22nd December. 

Enquiries 

For any enquiries about this consultation, email futureaccessconsultation@landregistry.gov.uk