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In response to concerns expressed by customers about the potential misuse of scanned documents available electronically from Land Register Online and following an extensive review of the service, Land Registry has decided that documents referred to on the register, for example mortgage deeds and leases, should no longer be available electronically from www.landregisteronline.gov.uk

As from midnight on Monday 5 November 2007, online access to these documents will be removed. Members of the public wishing to inspect or have copies of any such documents can do so by applying in writing to Land Registry.

Land Registry acknowledges that removing online access makes the documents less readily available, but believes this to be a positive step which will help to alleviate any risk of misuse.

Mike Westcott-Rudd, Head of Corporate Legal Services, said:

"People can be confident that their property ownership is safeguarded by the state because if someone is a victim of fraud, we have a comprehensive compensation scheme in place to put things right.

"However, fraud is a very serious issue and Land Registry gives it the highest priority. It is important to strike a balance between on the one hand making the system accessible, and simplifying the process of conveyancing, and on the other hand ensuring that appropriate safeguards are written into the system.

"While there is always a risk of fraud, we need to put this risk in context - of £870 million fee income in 2005-06 and 2006-07, just under £12 million was paid out in compensation for fraud or forgery claims."

by: Editor

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