This page includes a full history of the updates that we published about the local land charges search issue. These were updates published at the top of our local land charges search page.
We also published site-wide alert banners that linked through to the updates.
Land charges searches now available
Updated: Thursday 28 May 2026
We are continuing to process personal searches and the backlog is now beginning to reduce.
We are working through these searches in the order they were received. We have brought in extra staff to work on the backlog and are aiming to issue a minimum of 150 search responses per week.
We have 230 local authority searches outstanding. These require additional information gathering from across the council before they can be issued, so processing takes longer than for a personal search. It is hoped the data configuration required to enable local authority searches to be issued will be completed this week. We should then be able to start processing them next week.
We would like to thank everyone for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Land charges searches now available
Updated: Friday 22 May 2026
We are now able to carry out personal searches through an interim software solution for land searches.
The software solution has been tested and checked and several personal searches were issued on Thursday 21 May.
We are now working through the backlog of personal searches in the date order we received them. This is not an automatic process and is likely to take some time. We thank you for your continued patience. We will update you once we understand how quickly we can clear this.
We are also working on issuing official land searches. The software is in place and working but these take slightly longer to issue as they must be guaranteed by the council. This requires extra work and information gathering. We should be able to start working on the backlog of official searches next week and will go through them in the order we received them.
Software solution
The solution we now have in place is considered a ‘work around’ to the original issue. The work around is highlighting ways in which we can resolve the outstanding issues with our new system. We are confident that search results are full and accurate.
We will continue to work with our supplier to find a long term, permanent solution to the original issue. Residents can be confident that the interim fix is providing accurate search results in the meantime.
Apology
We are very sorry for the undue inconvenience this has caused people buying and selling property locally. We thank you for your patience.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Friday 15 May 2026
We are sorry that this service still remains unavailable.
Our teams continue to work with the new supplier to focus on the issues and how to resolve them.
We are liaising with our previous software provider to obtain their support whilst the matters with the new system are being worked through. We anticipate that we should be able to have access to the old system next week. This will enable us to check the accuracy of test results and see if issuing personal searches is possible.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
In the interim, we advise people to speak to their mortgage lenders to see if transactions can progress without a search. Alternatively, solicitors and conveyancers may be able to advise on options available on specific sales and purchases.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Email updates
We're also providing regular updates through email.
Sign up to land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Refunds for charges
We will be refunding the fee for land searches logged from Monday 26 January 2026 to date (Wednesday 22 April). This will be actioned and prioritised once the backlog of searches has been cleared. The refund will be made to the person or company who made the original payment in due course.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Friday 8 May 2026
We are sorry that this service still remains unavailable.
We are continuing to work on fixing the issue alongside our system supplier, Arcus Global.
We were hopeful that a solution was imminent, but further testing has shown that inaccurate results are still being returned.
We need to be fully confident of the results being accurate before we bring the service back online. The focus is to deal with the data issues that relate to already submitted search requests, so that these are processed quickly. Then turning attention to the remaining data requirements to have a fully functioning system. It is anticipated that testing on the backlog will start early next week.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
In the interim, we advise people to speak to their mortgage lenders to see if transactions can progress without a search. Alternatively, solicitors and conveyancers may be able to advise on options available on specific sales and purchases.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Email updates
We're also providing regular updates through email.
Sign up to land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Refunds for charges
We will be refunding the fee for land searches logged from Monday 26 January 2026 to date (Wednesday 22 April). This will be actioned and prioritised once the backlog of searches has been cleared. The refund will be made to the person or company who made the original payment in due course.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Friday 1 May 2026
The service still remains unavailable.
We are continuing to work on fixing the issue alongside our system supplier, Arcus Global.
We were hopeful last week that a solution was imminent, but further testing has shown that inaccurate results are still being returned.
We need to be fully confident of the results being accurate before we bring the service back online. The focus is to deal with the data issues that relate to already submitted search requests, so that these are processed quickly. Then turning attention to the remaining data requirements to have a fully functioning system. It is anticipated that testing on the backlog will start early next week.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
In the interim, we advise people to speak to their mortgage lenders to see if transactions can progress without a search. Alternatively, solicitors and conveyancers may be able to advise on options available on specific sales and purchases.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Email updates
We're also providing regular updates through email.
Get this delivered to your inbox by signing up to our land charges updates.
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Refunds for charges
We will be refunding the fee for land searches logged from Monday 26 January 2026 to date (Wednesday 22 April). This will be actioned and prioritised once the backlog of searches has been cleared. The refund will be made to the person or company who made the original payment in due course.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Thursday 30 April 2026
The service still remains unavailable.
We are continuing to work on fixing the issue alongside our system supplier, Arcus Global.
We were hopeful last week that a solution was imminent, but further testing has shown that inaccurate results are still being returned.
We need to be fully confident of the results being accurate before we bring the service back online.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
In the interim, we advise people to speak to their mortgage lenders to see if transactions can progress without a search. Alternatively, solicitors and conveyancers may be able to advise on options available on specific sales and purchases.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Email updates
We're also providing regular updates through email.
Get this delivered to your inbox by signing up to our land charges updates.
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Refunds for charges
We will be refunding the fee for land searches logged from Monday 26 January 2026 to date (Wednesday 22 April). This will be actioned and prioritised once the backlog of searches has been cleared. The refund will be made to the person or company who made the original payment in due course.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Tuesday 21 April 2026 (version 2)
The service still remains unavailable.
We are testing the system and the outcome is encouraging.
We want to be fully confident of the results before we bring the service back online.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information. You can also sign up for direct email updates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sign up for land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Refunds for charges
We will be refunding the fee for land searches logged from Monday 26 January 2026 to date (Wednesday 22 April). This will be actioned and prioritised once the backlog of searches has been cleared. The refund will be made to the person or company who made the original payment in due course.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Tuesday 21 April 2026 (version 1)
The service still remains unavailable.
We are testing the system and the outcome is encouraging.
We want to be fully confident of the results before we bring the service back online.
We would like to reassure everyone we are doing everything we can to resolve this as quickly as possible.
We have provided extra details below about why the service is unavailable and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information. You can also sign up for direct email updates.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sign up for land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Friday 17 April 2026 (version 2)
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to process local land charges due to a significant issue with our new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system. At the moment, the software (provided by Arcus Global) is unable to provide accurate and reliable results due to an ongoing data issue.
We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing and want to assure you that we are taking all steps possible to resolve the situation. This includes meeting with our supplier twice daily for updates and escalating the matter to the company’s chief executive.
Our ICT and land charges teams are continuing to work with Arcus’ teams to find a solution as quickly as possible.
We have provided extra details below about why this has occurred and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information. You can also sign up for direct email updates.
Sign up for land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of searches affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Land charges search unavailable
Updated: Friday 17 April 2026 (version 1)
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to process local land charges due to a significant issue with our new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system. At the moment, the software (provided by Arcus Global) is unable to provide accurate and reliable results due to an ongoing data issue.
We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing and want to assure you that we are taking all steps possible to resolve the situation. This includes meeting with our supplier twice daily for updates and escalating the matter to the company’s chief executive.
Our ICT and land charges teams are continuing to work with Arcus’ teams to find a solution as quickly as possible.
We have provided extra details below about why this has occurred and how we are working to resolve it. We will continue to update this page with information. You can also sign up for direct email updates.
Sign up for land charges search updates
Why we are unable to process land charges
We switched over to a new computer system (provided by Arcus Global) for land charges at the end of January expecting a short, week-long delay in processing applications while data moved from one system to another.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be a simple switch over became problematic as the data could not be transferred as easily and accurately as anticipated.
We have to be confident the data pulls through to the Land Register correctly or the system risks returning inaccurate results.
We have been working with Arcus to find a solution but at the moment we are not confident that results are accurate. Therefore, the service remains suspended until we can be certain the results are reliable.
Why we switched to a new ICT system
Our old contract was ending and, like all public authorities, we are legally required to run a tender process to ensure our purchasing is fair, competitive and seeks best value for money.
Arcus was awarded the contract based on the set criteria. This meant that we switched from our old provider to Arcus at the end of January. At the time the contract was awarded, neither party could foresee the extent of the data issue. We did expect the service to be down for around a week to allow the data to transfer but anticipated that it would be fully running as usual in early February.
The issue with the data
The data the council has from its old system is not in a format that can be easily synced with the new system. The data was complex and complicated and so required significant work to cross-check and review once data mapping issues were identified. This work is now largely complete, but some data links and targeted data still need to be worked on.
Testing will need to be carried out at each stage to ensure that results are accurate and reliable.
When the system will be working
We’re working closely with the Arcus team to get a solution in place as quickly as possible.
We know buying and selling a property is stressful without added delay and pressure. However, we must be sure that we are able to give people accurate information before resuming the service.
Progress has been made but we are seeking urgent clarification from the company as to when we can start using the system accurately and start processing applications again.
We will update buyers and solicitors as soon as we can resume our land charges service.
We are not aware of similar cases elsewhere
We’re not aware of this level of data reconfiguration being needed elsewhere regarding land searches.
We have reached out to other councils for support and any specialist advice they can provide. Similarly, we have also contacted private sector specialists for support and advice in order to progress the matter as quickly possible.
Number of people affected
We have around 700 searches outstanding. These are a mixture of personal searches and local searches.
Who will be prioritised
Once the service is running accurately again, we will prioritise searches based on the date we received them. We do not hold information about mortgage offers or chains so cannot prioritise them according to those factors. We will ensure those who have waited the longest are dealt with first.
How we will clear the backlog
Our land charges team is a small specialist team. We are already looking at bringing in extra staff to support them to clear the backlog once the system is running accurately again. This should help clear outstanding searches more quickly.
Search unavailable
Updated: Tuesday 14 April 2026
The Land Charges service remains unavailable while we continue to work to resolve the issue.
We are re-configuring data for our register which is the main cause for the disruption.
The register is key to a Land Charges search. It needs to be complete and accurate. This work is crucial before we can safely restore the service.
Due to the nature of the system, there is no workaround. It is not possible to revert temporarily to a manual process.
We are unable to confirm a specific date for the restoration of the service.
We sincerely apologise for the delays this will cause to property transactions.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Search unavailable
Updated: Wednesday 8 April 2026
The Land Charges service remains unavailable while we continue to work to resolve the issue.
We are currently configuring the data for our register. This is the main cause of the disruption.
We are unable to confirm when the service will be restored.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is causing, and thank you for your patience.
Search unavailable
Updated: Wednesday 23 March 2026
We are currently unable to process land charges searches due to a data quality issue when migrating to a new system.
We are working with external specialists to resolve this problem. Currently we are reconfiguring data and testing. We are working hard to resolve this issue as the highest priority.
You can still submit a land charges search request and we can receive these. However, we can't currently process the requests.
We understand the impact this may have on those buying or selling property and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes.
Search unavailable
Updated: 6 March 2026
We are currently unable to process land charges searches due to a serious software issue.
We are working alongside external specialists to resolve this problem, but we do not know when the system will be working again.
You can still submit a land charges search request and we can receive these. However, we can't currently process the requests.
We understand the impact this may have on those buying or selling property and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes.