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Written question asked by John Stevenson (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 March 2023. It was answered by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.


Squatting

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether her Department has taken steps to create disincentives against spurious claims of Adverse Possession.

Answer

HM Land Registry has operational responsibility for considering land registration applications based on adverse possession. Applicants must lodge formal evidence in the form of a statutory declaration or statement of truth to support their claim.

HM Land Registry investigates the validity of such claims by undertaking site inspections and serving notice on affected parties. Any person who makes a fraudulent claim can be prosecuted under the Fraud Act 2006.

Most claims of adverse possession are undisputed and relate to small areas of land between adjoining landowners which have been occupied for many years. They are a means to regularise ownership.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
172379
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Squatting
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk