Landowners Warn of Fraud as Government Opens Land Registry Data

The UK government has launched a plan to remove the paywall on land ownership records, a move that industry leaders say could be derailed by those whose names would appear in the new public database. The proposals, released on Tuesday, aim to give the public free access to information on who owns land in England for the first time. This marks a shift from the current system where such data is often locked behind fees.

Three main changes define the proposal. First, public sector bodies including local authorities and government departments will access the data at no cost. This should help councils identify sites for new homes, schools, hospitals, and water infrastructure. Second, a new free public dataset will list the owners of significant land holdings across England and Wales. Ordinary homeowners are excluded from this list, but large landholders will be named. Third, investigators, civil society groups, and regulators who demonstrate a clear public interest may gain access to more sensitive information.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government argues that greater openness will help build more homes and protect nature. A government spokesperson stated that at least 10% of land in England is currently unknown in terms of ownership. The spokesperson described the move as a win-win for the economy and nature, aiming to fill knowledge gaps that have hindered strategic planning for decades.

Supporters of the plan see it as a long-overdue correction to historical secrecy. Guy Shrubsole, author of Who Owns England?, called the plan bold but sensible. He noted that the question of land ownership has been tied to wealth and power since the Domesday Book. Shrubsole warned that the country's biggest landowners may try to scupper the plans at the last hurdle. He urged the public to respond to the consultation to ensure centuries of secrecy come to an end.

Roger Mortlock, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, also welcomed the move. He stated that the supply of land is facing severe pressure and that knowing who owns what would help make the most of every hectare. This applies whether the land is used for homes, infrastructure, food production, or nature recovery.

The Country Land and Business Association, which represents landowners and rural businesses, took a more cautious approach. President Gavin Lane warned that making more personal information public could leave families open to fraud. He noted that AI makes it easier to steal and misuse identities. Lane argued that greater transparency should not come at the expense of people's privacy, security, and safety. Many landowners have been reluctant to see their holdings made public and are expected to contest the proposals during the eight-week consultation period.

The Land Registry operates as an arm's length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government but functions largely independently. Internal disagreements have previously existed between the government and the Registry over how far the body should be opened to scrutiny. The public consultation on the new free access plans will run for eight weeks.