Local Authority Property Information Portal (LAPIP) Project

The OFT Study of the Property Search Market (published in September 2005), recommended that by 2007, Local Authorities (LAs) make available, to all those who ask, the unrefined data required to compile a Home Information Pack search. This is to be done in such a way that does not advantage LAs' own compiling activities over competing compilers, both in terms of price and turnaround times.

The Government accepted the above recommendation and is now seeking a methodology which will support access to the unrefined and uncompiled data. Land Data has launched a number of trials aimed at determining how access to base or unrefined land and property information held in Local Authorities can be provided electronically. The department of Communities and Local Government has given Land Data its support for this project in the context of Home Information Pack Implementation.

Working with a number of partners, including Northgate Information Solutions and NLIS Hub, initial explorative work has begun in eight Local Authorities.

The main aim and objective of the project is to provide a 'proof of concept' pertaining to definitions, access and pricing arrangements relating to the delivery of electronic data that is required to answer the 'CON29'R form questions. The Local Authority data will be made available in manual and electronic format through NLIS, other mediums and independent portals.

Once we have collected sufficient data, we will consult widely with interested parties on how best to take this initiative forward and how to make access to this data a practical reality on a national scale.

If you would like to discuss any issues outside of the group forum please contact Jo Gower-Crane. Any information that you provide solely to Land Data will be treated as commercial-in-confidence and will not be shared with anyone without your prior consent.