Privatisation plans for Land Registry removed from Government route map

THE Government’s decision to change direction on his plans to privatise the Land Registry, which could have affected 300 workers in Telford, has been welcomed by campaigners.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) issued a consultation document earlier this year but it has now left out the required sections of a planning bill that would enable the move.

The leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Cllr Shaun Davies, said: “In the Council’s response to the consultation we argued that the Land Registry should remain in Government, that it is providing good customer service and is making money; a £100m surplus for the country in the last year. 

“This isn’t a final decision and the future of the Land Registry and its staff in Telford is still uncertain. Our focus now is on keeping those jobs in Telford and Wrekin and making sure the sell-off plans don’t see the light of day.”

Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, also welcomed the decision to reconsider the options.

He said: “I blocked privatisation of this in government. This is a sensible decision as it wouldn’t have made much money.

“The only rationale behind the proposed sell-off was dogma.”