A new avoidable requisitions dataset is now available

The latest avoidable requisitions dataset is now available. It gives firms a fresh view of the issues most likely to lead to avoidable delays and can help them decide where to focus their efforts to improve application quality.

Avoidable requisitions happen when an application contains something that is missing, unclear or inconsistent and which could usually have been prevented, such as names, addresses or missing pages. They can lead to extra work for firms, slower progress for applications and ultimately delays for clients.

We know that we sometimes make errors ourselves, sending requisitions when we may not have needed to. We are continuing to review our training and processes to improve our consistency and reduce the number of requisitions we send.

What the data can tell you

The latest figures suggest continued improvement, with avoidable requisition rates down by 7% over the past 6 months. While this is encouraging, the data is most useful for each firm when it is used to understand where issues are arising and what action may be taken to help reduce them.

In May, customers should have received an email with their organisation’s latest rate – sent to the ‘responsible person’ for their HM Land Registry portal accounts. We will also be sending email updates about customers’ avoidable requisitions before publishing the next dataset in December.

This information can help firms decide what to do next. Looking at the data alongside in-house checks, team feedback and recent trends can help identify which issues are having the biggest impact and where small changes could make the most difference.

Using the dataset well

The dataset is best used as part of a wider picture. Changes in application volumes can affect results, as can small changes in registration processes. That means it’s not advisable to make direct comparisons with the last dataset.

If firms want to compare performance, it is better to benchmark their organisation against the current dataset and use it to understand patterns, priorities and areas for improvement.

Some firms use the dataset to review file-checking processes, some use it to target training, and others use it to start conversations across teams about recurring errors. However it is used, the aim is the same: to understand where avoidable issues are happening and reduce the likelihood of them happening again.

Support is available

Support is available for firms that want to act upon what the data shows them. Our training hub offers free guidance and resources including webinars, videos and flowcharts, plus details of our popular live workshops.

Keep the progress going

The dataset is there to support action. By looking at the issues that come up most often and taking practical steps to address them, firms can improve application quality and help reduce delays for their clients.