Key facts
- Government has not set a timeline for lifting the Land Registry paywall.
- Campaigners seek public access to land ownership data for accountability.
- Land Registry plans are in early stages and require consultation.
- An update on data release is anticipated early next year.
The UK government has declined to provide a timeline for making public data on who owns large land plots in England and Wales freely accessible. Environmental campaigners argue that such transparency is crucial for holding large landowners accountable, especially concerning environmental stewardship of areas like river catchments and peatlands. The Land Registry, a non-ministerial government department, indicated in July that its plans are in the early stages and will undergo consultation, with more information expected early next year. A spokesperson also noted in August that the specifics of what data would be released and to whom remained unclear. Environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole criticized the lack of transparency, stating it hinders efforts to build homes, expose polluters, and restore nature. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's focus on localism has led Shrubsole to suggest that making land ownership data public should be part of this agenda.