SLC expresses concern over HMLR strike action

Professional body fears registration delays will get worse and calls for transparency in reporting

The Society of Licensed Conveyancers (SLC) is greatly concerned that the five-day strike by employees at HM Land Registry (HMLR) – called by the PCS – will exacerbate the unacceptable delays in processing non-standard registration transactions.

The delays – which have been in excess of 12 months for what seems like an eternity – have a serious impact on conveyancers in both time and money, and in turn can cause delays in the home buying and selling process.

Simon Law, Chair of the SLC said:

‘It seems that every time HMLR make some progress in addressing the delays in non-standard registrations, something comes along to derail their efforts. We do not opine on the rights or wrongs of strike action, but we are truly exasperated by the delays which have been on-going for several years. The recent implied criticism of conveyancers by HMLR in respect of requisitions cannot obfuscate the fact that HMLR still have much to do to get their own house in order.”

The SLC frequently gets complaints from members about the delays at HMLR, and the fact that the rework and cost involved diverts them from their primary activity of efficiently progressing home buying and selling transactions for their clients.

Simon added:

“The Society will continue to work with HMLR to raise standards both by conveyancers and HMLR, however we continue to be concerned that first registration and new title applications are still taking months, if not years to complete. The use of the expedite service will only increase as the impact of rising costs are felt by clients and/or they come to the end of their fixed rate deals. The SLC feels more needs to be done and strike action should/could have been avoided.”