Expedite Requests

Although we aim to process land register applications in order of receipt, taking into account the different types and levels of complexity of application we receive, we recognise that in certain exceptional circumstances, our customers need their applications to be expedited. Previously, expedite requests were sent in to RoS in a variety of formats, to different teams or individuals, and containing differing amounts of information. We have now introduced a formalised process for expedite requests that means we can manage them more efficiently, keep better records on the type of requests we receive, have consistent decision making, and ensure that we are prioritising only the most urgent applications.

How can someone request that their application is expedited?

Solicitors or members of the public can now only request that a land register application is expedited by completing the form on our website. Guidance is available on the website so that the solicitor or member of the public can ensure their request meets our criteria. Firstly, there must be a demonstrable, genuine need for the application to be expedited. This need can fall into three categories: financial hardship, personal hardship, or possible loss of a future transaction/application. Secondly, except in the case of personal hardship, they are required to submit evidence in support of their request.

What happens when an expedite request is submitted using the correct form?

Once the form & supporting documentation is received, this is logged and considered by the Senior Adviser Service. Within 5 days of receipt of the request, the Senior Adviser Service will issue a decision email informing the applicant if their request for expedite has been approved or rejected. Once the decision has been made & the applicant informed, the Senior Adviser Service then contact the relevant registration team and let them know they have a case to be expedited. Workflow of cases being expedited is managed locally within the registration teams.

What do I do if I receive an expedite request from a customer?

The form went live on our website on 2 October 2018. If you receive a request from a solicitor or member of the public who has not used the form on the website, pass the request to your team leader who will arrange for a response to be sent to the customer using the template response.