Will new regulations make land ownership more transparent? Asks Holyrood Committee

The new regulations followed concerns that the current system of land ownership was not sufficiently transparent, as some people holding a controlling or beneficial interest may be difficult to trace.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee has launched a call for views and would like to hear from interested individuals and groups on whether the proposed regulations will make a difference.

Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee Deputy Convener, John Scott MSP, said:

“The public deserves to know who owns what in Scotland and these new regulations aim to make land ownership information much more open, accessible and transparent.

“Our Committee now wants to hear a wide range of views on the proposed regulations, whether these are fit for purpose from the perspective of landowners, tenants, individuals and communities, or if they can be improved in any way.”

Find out more about the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

The Committee is particularly interested to hear your views on whether:

1) The proposed Regulations fulfil the requirements of Section 39 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.

2) The proposed arrangements for a Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land are likely to be fit for purpose from the perspective of a) landowners and tenants b) associates and c) individuals and community organisations.

3) There are any improvements that could be made to the proposed arrangements to make information more accessible.

4) There is any information that won’t be covered by the proposed Regulations that you believe should be (and why).

5) The contact details which must be provided to the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland are sufficient.

6) The Security Declaration process outlined in the proposed Regulations is fit for purpose.

7) The offences set out in the proposed Regulations are appropriate.

8) Any other aspect of the proposed Regulations requires amendment.