Modernise the Public Registry

Jersey’s public registry is over four hundred years old and sits within the Court system, not ministerial Government.

Unlike the UK and other jurisdictions, Jersey doesn’t have a land registry per-say. The authoritative register of the ownership is through the contract.

Our current approach is well understood and works, but in an increasingly digital world, the move to a Land Registry or more model title based system would bring benefits.

I consider that we should explore the reform of our current system, but we must recognise the scale of the task.

We should explore options such as introducing a ‘Cadastral Map’ that records each land parcel and boundary, but for Jersey, I believe the best way will be a phased and considered approach, retaining ownership of the registry within the courts.

We may choose to move only as and when each property is transacted, but work must start now on the next steps to take.

The Jersey Legal Information Board (JLIB) has a key role in driving courts modernisation, but should define the start of this project with Law Society and an appointed Minister as a Ministerial lead.