UK government proposes free public access to land ownership records
Plans to remove paywall from Land Registry face potential opposition from landowners, campaigners warn.
At a glance
- Government proposes removing paywall from Land Registry to reveal land ownership across England and Wales
- Officials argue free access would facilitate house building, environmental protection and planning
- Campaigners warn landowners may attempt to block the proposals
- Public consultation period set for eight weeks
The UK government has announced proposals to lift the paywall on the Land Registry, making information about land ownership in England and Wales publicly accessible for the first time. The government argues the move would support house building, nature protection and strategic planning.
Campaigners have warned that landowners could obstruct the plans. The proposals will undergo an eight-week public consultation period.
Why it matters
Revealing land ownership patterns could affect housing supply, environmental policy and urban planning in the UK.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldLandowners could scupper free Land Registry access plans, campaigners warn
- The Guardian — BusinessLandowners could scupper free Land Registry access plans, campaigners warn
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
