The Register of Surplus Public Sector Land was set up in 2003. It is managed by English Partnerships on behalf of Communities and Local Government and in collaboration with other Government Departments, their sponsored bodies and other public sector organisations.
The register provides a single reference point for all participating public sector organisations on the nationally available supply of surplus land. It helps to ensure that wider Government objectives, including housing needs and regional economic and housing strategies, are factored into land disposal decisions. The register identifies land held by central Government and its agencies that is surplus to operational requirements, and allows a 40 day period for public bodies to express an interest in this land before it is placed on the market.