Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023: What is Part 11 – information about interests and dealings in land?

Under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA), at Part 11, the Secretary of State has the power to require, by further regulations, the disclosure of information about land which relates to a "permitted purpose" which is the national security purpose across the UK. For regulations applicable to England and Wales only, the permitted purpose may also be beneficial ownership (that is, to identify beneficial owners of land or understanding the relationship of those persons with the land they beneficially own) and contractual control (that is, to identify anyone with rights which arise under a contract, relate to development, use or disposal of land and are held for the purpose of an undertaking).

Regulations made pursuant to Part 11 may provide for the information to be retained, published, or used by public bodies or for public functions. It is a criminal offence to provided false or misleading information knowingly or recklessly in response to regulations under Part 11.

The provisions under Part 11 are designed to enhance transparency and the accuracy of data around land use in the UK. Many of the provisions under section of LURA are subject to secondary legislation, including who will be required to provide the information.