Plans for a sell-off of Land Registry have been dropped from legislation due to be introduced to parliament today – but government sources have insisted that privatisation is still under consideration. 

In May the Queen's speech announced that the outcome of a consultation on the sale would be taken forward by a Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

However the Gazette understands that ministers are holding back from a quick decision in the face of widespread opposition, including from the legal profession. 

A response to the consultation, which proposed transferring Land Registry operations to a 'NewCo', is expected this autumn. 

A government source said today: 'No decision has been taken on the future of the Land Registry. A consultation on the Land Registry’s future closed in May and we are carefully considering our response.

'It is only right that new ministers take time to look at all their options before making a decision.'