RoS = economic value

Registers of Scotland have a report on their contribution to Scotland's economy, and news of more appointments

19th October 2009 | Registers of Scotland

A new economic report highlights the extensive value that Registers of Scotland (RoS) adds to the Scottish economy.

The report by BiGGAR Economics independently assesses what contribution the organisation makes to the Scottish economy.

The economic impact report identifies that RoS underpins the Scottish economy. Every year they register over 500,000 property-related transactions, worth some £57 billion, and have indemnified over 1.4 million properties on the Land Register. They employ 1,400 people and support the jobs of almost 500 others, adding £85.8 million per annum to the Scottish economy.

The organisation helpslocal authorities find over£90 million in unpaid council tax and also prevents overpayments of housing benefit worth £2.2 million. RoS is also reducing civil and commercial disputes, estimated to be worth £12.6 million to the economy each year.

Sheenagh Adams, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, said: “It is important for us to understand properly the value of RoS to Scotland in economic terms. This report will help us to develop our role and work more closely with partner organisations to realise real efficiencies in these testing financial times.”

RoS is the government department tasked with safeguarding and recording the land and property of Scotland. Of the 16 registers it operates, the best known are the Land Register, the Register of Sasines and the Register of Community Interests in Land. RoS also holds the Register of Inhibitions, which lists those unable to buy or sell property due to issues such as bankruptcy.

To view the whole report go to: ros.gov.uk/public/publications and click on reports.

New Registration Director

John King, previously a senior member of the Legal Services Team at RoS, has been appointed as Registration Director. He took up post on 14 September 2009.

John is now responsible for directing and managing the 16 public registers that the Keeper is responsible for, on which 1,000+ staff are presently engaged.

John joined the civil service in 1984. He will bring to the post his extensive experience in registration, project and policy matters. A former member of the registration team, he has in recent years played a key role in the development of eRegistration and new registers.

John has a BA (Hons) in Government and Modern History, LLB, and a Diploma in Legal Practice.

Registers Direct 2

As we mentioned in last month’s Journal, a new version of Registers Direct was launched on 25 August. This online searching system provides information from Registers of Scotland’s land and property, personal and other registers.

The migration of existingsers to the new system is almost complete. We would encourage all users of Registers Direct to familiarise themselves with the new version by viewing the training demonstrations and technical requirements on our website at ros.gov.uk/ registersdirect2 .If you are an existing user of Registers Direct and have not had an email advising you of a migration date, or need any more information on Registers Direct, please contact eServices by phoning 0845 607 0160 or by emailing eservices@ros.gov.uk .

If you do not currently have access to Registers Direct, you can apply by using the online form at ros.gov.uk/ registersdirect .

New Head of Business Development and Customer Services

Currently Head of Sales at Historic Scotland, Kenny Crawford is responsible for generating income for the agency through selling tours, corporate events, catering and weddings to businesses based in the UK and overseas. Kenny started his Civil Service career in the Scottish Office, working in various departments before moving to London to work in the Secretary of State for Scotland’s private office. He returned to Edinburgh to take up a HR manager post before joining Historic Scotland to set up their travel trade department. His new role at RoS as the Head of Business Development and Customer Services will mean he has responsibility for improving customer service and identifying new business opportunities and income streams.