Background The objectives of the Act Electronic conveyancing
11.The Act creates a framework in which it will be possible to transfer and create interests in registered land by electronic means. It does so by enabling the formal documents to be executed electronically; and providing for a secure electronic communications network. Because it is envisaged that the execution of those documents and their registration will be simultaneous, and the process of registration will be initiated by conveyancers, permitting access to the network is to be controlled by the Land Registry, which will also exercise control over the changes which can be made to the register. The Land Registry will be obliged to make arrangements for access to the network by those who wish to undertake their own conveyancing. Establishment of the system will require new ways of working by the Registry, and by conveyancing practitioners. It will, therefore, best be introduced in stages, starting with the simplest transactions and progressing to the more complex. The Act therefore provides for the Lord Chancellor to regulate by rules transactions that can be carried out electronically.
12.Some of the benefits of electronic conveyancing can only be maximised if it is used universally. The Act, therefore gives the Lord Chancellor power to make the use of electronic means for conveyancing compulsory, subject to appropriate consultation. The use of this power will become feasible only when electronic conveyancing has become much the most usual way of effecting transactions.