Colchester City Council’s Local Land Charges team, part of the wider ICT service, has been named Local Authority Searches Team of the Year 2025, an award supported by the Local Land Charges Institute. This national recognition highlights the team’s dedication, efficiency, and innovation in delivering exceptional service.
The award celebrates Local Land Charges teams across England and Wales that have demonstrated excellence in overcoming challenges, achieving results, improving efficiency, and maintaining outstanding service delivery.
Local Land Charges teams play a crucial role in property transactions by maintaining a register of legal restrictions and obligations affecting land and property. They provide essential information to buyers, sellers, and legal professionals about planning decisions, road agreements, environmental notices, and other binding conditions that remain in place for future owners.
Colchester’s small but highly skilled team of two was recognised for its seamless migration to a fully spatial system. This transition was a significant challenge, requiring technical expertise, collaboration, and perseverance. Despite the scale of the task, the team successfully implemented the system, streamlining processes and enhancing service efficiency.
Councillor Alison Jay, Colchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, praised the team’s achievement: “Winning Local Land Charges Team of the Year is a testament to the collective effort and commitment of our small but perfectly formed team. Their journey has been one of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. Though they are a team of just two, their impact has been remarkable. The successful migration to a fully spatial system was a major milestone, and their dedication made it possible.
“Their story is an inspiration to other teams to strive for excellence and embrace change. Innovation and teamwork can drive real success, and this award proves just that.”
The award ceremony took place online on 11 March, alongside the annual Training & Development Event, where Colchester’s team was recognised for their outstanding contributions.
For more information about the award and the organisation behind it, visit www.land-data.org.uk.
Page last reviewed: 31 March 2025