With every full local authority search response, we include the following (when applicable) at no extra cost :

• Listed Building Descriptions extracted from the schedule of Listings 
• Tree Preservation Order plans
• Certificates issued by Registered Competent Persons under the Office of Deputy Prime Minister’s Competent Persons Schemes for work such as Electrical Safety Part P of the Building Regulations, Cavity Wall Installations, Gas Certificates and Replacement Windows.
• Copy of Approved Inspectors Initial notice

• Copy of Approved Inspectors Plans Certificates

• Copy of Approved Inspectors Final certificates

NEW!

• Planning Decision Notices when registered as a Local Land Charge.  (currently on a two month trial)

This information forms part of a full Local Authority Search request (LLC1 and forms CON29R and/or O).  Therefore, it will not be automatically supplied to personal search applicants or those submitting Forms LLC1 only.

Guarantee:

• Only responses provided by us are guaranteed under Section 10(3) of the Local Land Charges Act 1975 which relates to compensation for loss. 

Current Turnaround:  Two/Three working days.

Statistics for Financial Year 08/09:

Customer Service Commitment

With every valid search submission we will::

• Send you an acknowledgement receipt quoting the search number to assist you with future enquiries.
• Provide an estimated response time. (Aiming to complete and despatch the search within 5 working days or less).
• Supply contact details for case enquiries.

We have a dedicated team who:

• Have the  knowledge and expertise to interrogate the necessary data, extracting the relevant information in order to provide accurate responses to the warning questions raised on an official local land search enquiry form.
• Offer an efficient and courteous service 
• Provide a guaranteed speed of response.

The Law Society, which regulates solicitors, recommends the use of a full search. A personal search does not reveal the full information provided by an official search and is not guaranteed by the council so must be treated with caution.

What have we done for you in the last year ?

• Undertaken a data cleansing exercise, digitising data to ensure greater accuracy in the information provided in our searches.
• Redesigned our CON 29 replies in line with HIP Regulations, for easier interpretation of replies and to provide more information.
• Progressed to NLIS Level 3 to enable us to receive and return searches electronically. (For further details, see our National Land and Information Service (NLIS) page). 

• Purchased a software package which we are developing in order to streamline our service and provide a speedier turnaround of search information.

What are we doing next?

• Cost our Land Charges Service to ensure that we keep our charges competitive.
• Continue to cleanse our data and develop systems to further improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Continue with our Search Refresh Service.  For further details see our 'After Search Service' page.
• Start an NVQ training program to improve the professional skills of our well established team.

Historical Statistics 

Financial Year 07/08

Financial Year 06/07:

All Local Authority Searches were returned within 8 working days.

Networking

We are a member of the Association of Local Land Charges Officers and attend regular meetings to share information and discuss current issues.  We also have local meetings with Kent Land Charges Officers where any problems can be discussed and services compared.

Please contact us if you would like us to raise any issues at any time.