On 15 September Land Registry released the Land Registry portal - and the legal and support services associated with it to a number of pilot users. This release comprises the foundations on which later e-services will be built.
The pilot will run to enable Land Registry to assess the customer experience in moving from Land Registry Direct to the portal and monitor performance before entering into a wider planned roll-out in 2009. The roll-out of the portal will be a managed migration beginning once the pilot is completed. This will be completed throughout 2009 and Land Registry Direct service will then be withdrawn in spring 2010.
Land Registry Portal provides a single web-based method of access to our services, which will in time replace both Land Registry Direct and Land Register Online. The portal offers an e-security system which underpins the new services to provide a reliable, secure environment for all users using appropriate means of authentication; it introduces the technology and security to enable electronic signature capability for both citizens and professional users and a method by which documents can be securely stored and subsequently modified in order to prepare for a land transaction.
Unlike Land Registry Direct, Portal users have the ability to nominate their own Business Unit Administrator (BUA) role, allowing to them to control user access and determine a variety of different roles. In addition, it includes a link into Land Registry’s own processing systems to submit applications electronically and in some cases, process them automatically. Some of the applications presently available through the Portal are:
The first significant change that is now being seen through the Portal is the replacement of ENDs with the new eDS1. Unlike the END, an eDS1 operates as the application for discharge as well as the evidence of discharge. This will be available to lenders and their professional advisors as an alternative to EDs, the electronic discharge. ENDs will be withdrawn 12 months after the eDS1 Service is up and running successfully.
The next release of software through the portal will bring in the first form requiring an e-signature, the electronic charge. Land Registry will soon begin a pilot of a new electronic charge - the e-CSFs (electronic charges in standard form) to enable applicants to register a mortgage electronically for the first time. In spring/summer 2009, we are planning the release of an XML Business Gateway to allow integration with case management systems for lodgement of e-conveyancing applications. In the first instance, Business Gateway will offer a standard remortgage package and be inclusive of the following documents/services:
OC1 - Application for an Official Copy of the Register and Title Plan
OC2 - Application for a document referred to on the Register
OS1 - Application for an Official Search with Priority
Bankruptcy search
e-CSF
Land Registry has recently employed Perot and Civica to build the system. Pilot testing of the Business Gateway is expected to start in spring 2009, with the product being launched later in the year.
Release 3, is scheduled for implementation in late 2009. This will enable a conveyancer to submit via portal an electronic Transfer of whole (e-TR1). The conveyancer will also be able to submit the associated SDLT Return direct to Land Registry. The return will be fully validated and sufficient evidence of compliance provided, to allow application to be made for registration of the transfer with Land Registry. Land Registry will forward the SDLT data to HM Revenue & Customs via the Government Gateway. This release of services will require additional legislation to be put in place to support it.
Over the next six months, we will be undertaking further research on what is required from Chain Matrix and the associated electronic funds transfer system (EFT), with a view to clarifying our plans in this area.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Land Registration (Amendment) Rules 2008 will come into force on 10 November and will change the content - and to some extent the nature of our forms. The team working on the review have been working closely with the developers of the new e-conveyancing services to ensure that in the next software release we make corresponding changes to the electronic services we offer. The Action Booklet mailed to customers in September will explain the nature and detail of the changes to conveyancers. It is also available from Land Registry's website.
September 2008 - Portal go live
Throughout 2009 - Wider Portal roll out
2009 - eCSFs
Spring/summer 2009 - Business Gateway Pilot
Late 2009 - eTR1s
