Land Registry is the latest body to come under the spotlight of the government’s Red Tape Challenge, aka ‘Give the impression that we’re doing something to help the economy’. In theory, 25 regulations are under scrutiny for being otiose or in need of reform. But Obiter hears that land registration does not seem to be at the top of popular concerns. Since the launch of the initiative in March, only two suggestions have been posted regarding the registry.

One of those, submitted by property barrister Mark Wonnacott, proposes that the poor old registry – which has already suffered the indignity of relocation to Croydon – be scrapped altogether. Fortunately for the registry, such a suggestion is outside the scope of the challenge.

Anyone with less terminal thoughts on cutting regulations regarding land registration has until 5 July to post their suggestions online. If you hurry, you could be the third person to come up with an idea. Otherwise, housing minister Grant Shapps (pictured) may have to think up some for himself.