Today for the first time since 1984, which is probably the first time for many of the people affected, the staff of HM Land Registry went on strike. Organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union, staff at the 14 regional offices of the Land Registry yesterday commenced two days of industrial action and picketing.
The PCSU and Land Registry staff are campaigning about the Government's two consultations regarding the future of the Land Registry. The consultation sought views on whether the Land Register should be split into a Service Delivery Company which performs the day to day commercial and administrative functions of the Land Registry and a separate Office of Chief Land Registrar providing a regulatory role. The consultation went on to consider whether the Service Delivery Company should be transferred to the private sector in whole or in part. In short, a privatisation of the Land Registry.
Land Registry staff, present and past, are opposed to these proposals. They fear job cuts and are concerned about the integrity of the Land Register and the data that it incorporates. Essentially details about every land purchase in England and Wales.
Many high street firms including members of HighStreetLawyer.com across the country are equally opposed to the proposals. But, they don't have the opportunity to go on strike or picket outside their offices. The most we can do is try to make people aware of the good work that the Land Registry does, the first class service it provides to front line conveyancers and in turn the house buying public. The changes, if implemented, will have far reaching implications for small law firms, leading to greater risk, higher professional insurance and ultimately higher fees for conveyancing. If you want to know more about this aspect ask your local law firm.
The irony of the Land Registry staff going on strike is that there will be very little, if any, noticeable effect of the action. This is because most of its work is carried out behind the scenes, post completion of transactions and it is a well run effective organisation. But, it seems they have little choice too if they want their views heard in Westminster. The consultations have now closed but your local high street law firm will be able to tell you how you can still get involved.
Listen to Gary Yantin MD of HighStreetLawyer on this morning's BBC Radio Leicester Show. Fast forward to about 2 hrs 7 minutes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01y9ht8
Follow our Save the Land Registry campaign on facebook
The PCSU and Land Registry staff are campaigning about the Government's two consultations regarding the future of the Land Registry. The consultation sought views on whether the Land Register should be split into a Service Delivery Company which performs the day to day commercial and administrative functions of the Land Registry and a separate Office of Chief Land Registrar providing a regulatory role. The consultation went on to consider whether the Service Delivery Company should be transferred to the private sector in whole or in part. In short, a privatisation of the Land Registry.
Land Registry staff, present and past, are opposed to these proposals. They fear job cuts and are concerned about the integrity of the Land Register and the data that it incorporates. Essentially details about every land purchase in England and Wales.
Many high street firms including members of HighStreetLawyer.com across the country are equally opposed to the proposals. But, they don't have the opportunity to go on strike or picket outside their offices. The most we can do is try to make people aware of the good work that the Land Registry does, the first class service it provides to front line conveyancers and in turn the house buying public. The changes, if implemented, will have far reaching implications for small law firms, leading to greater risk, higher professional insurance and ultimately higher fees for conveyancing. If you want to know more about this aspect ask your local law firm.
The irony of the Land Registry staff going on strike is that there will be very little, if any, noticeable effect of the action. This is because most of its work is carried out behind the scenes, post completion of transactions and it is a well run effective organisation. But, it seems they have little choice too if they want their views heard in Westminster. The consultations have now closed but your local high street law firm will be able to tell you how you can still get involved.
Listen to Gary Yantin MD of HighStreetLawyer on this morning's BBC Radio Leicester Show. Fast forward to about 2 hrs 7 minutes. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01y9ht8
Follow our Save the Land Registry campaign on facebook
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