Land Registry could be privatised

Leaked minutes from a meeting of Land Registry board members suggest that the body could be heading towards privatisation. The Guardian says the documents in question indicate senior civil servants are deciding between a joint venture between the government and a private company, or letting a private company run it as a “GovCo.” It is thought the government could raise £1.225bn from a deal with a joint venture company, or £1.1bn from a GovCo agreement. Former Land Registry executives and unions have both criticised the proposal. John Manthorpe, the former chief land registrar, said: “It is clear that the management board, which has negligible experience and understanding of land registration and its important role, are solely fixed on the privatisation of this important state asset without any regard to the practical, financial or legal consequences for the citizen and business." Michael Fallon MP has said that options would be put out for public consultation before any decision is made, but Land Registry staff are expected to announce a two-day strike in response to the potential privatisation. The Guardian, Page: 2, 22