Job Details
Job Description: Land Charges and Property Database Officer
Directorate: Regeneration and Environment
Department: Planning | Development Management
Grade: Scale 5 → SO1
Reports to: Senior Land Charges and Property Analyst
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Job Purpose
To provide an efficient and professional Local Land Charges service and maintain accurate property data by:
• Managing the Local Land Charges Register and processing searches in line with legislation.
• Maintaining the Local Land and Property Gazetteer (LLPG) and contributing to up-to-date, council-wide property databases.
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Key Responsibilities
Scale 5 (Entry Level / Officer):
• Process customer enquiries and land charges search requests efficiently.
• Update and maintain the statutory Local Land Charges Register.
• Undertake official searches using council databases and GIS systems.
• Ensure fees are received, recorded, and reconciled in line with council financial procedures.
• Support senior staff with reports and statistics.
• Work in line with council policies on customer care, data protection, and safeguarding.
Scale 6 (Experienced Officer):
• Handle complex land charges enquiries from solicitors and agents.
• Advise on legislation and its implications for stakeholders.
• Update the register for new or altered properties and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Assist with property database tasks and reporting as required.
SO1 (Senior / Specialist Officer):
• Maintain and reconcile financial income from searches.
• Manage and update the Local Land and Property Gazetteer, ensuring address and property data comply with best practice.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Planning, Building Control, Council Tax, Business Rates) to ensure data accuracy.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, providing cover in the absence of the Senior Analyst.
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Skills and Competencies
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex information clearly.
• Proficient with IT, databases, GIS, and office software.
• Numerate, able to handle financial reconciliations.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Customer-focused, with experience in record keeping and handling enquiries.
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Qualifications
• GCSEs in English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Local Land Charges Act 1975 and local government operations is desirable.
• Experience with property databases, land charges searches, and LLPG is highly advantageous.
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Working Relationships
• Internal: Planning, Building Control, Council Tax, Business Rates, Electoral Services, Street Naming & Numbering.
• External: Solicitors, property agents, developers, and other stakeholders.
