The official list of unclaimed estates - previously known as the 'bona vacantia' list - has been quietly restored online after a six-month shutdown over fraud concerns. The Government Legal Department said this month that the list had been reinstated after a review found no evidence that it had been the source of fraud.
However, according to the statement, 'the Bona Vacantia Division (BVD) has concluded it is prudent to restrict the data provided to protect the list’s integrity, whilst still providing sufficient information for people to identify a family member.' Details including the deceased's place and date of birth, along with maiden names, have been removed, leaving only the name, date of death, area where they died and BVD case reference number.
'Any requests for more information will be considered in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements,' the BVD said. It will keep the list's publication under review.
Suspension of the list followed allegations in a BBC programme that information on the list had helped criminals create fake wills.
Probate genealogy firm Fraser and Fraser, which worked on the BBC investigation, this week questioned the BVD announcement. Firm partner Neil Fraser said: 'The government asserts there is "no evidence" that the bona vacantia list has been the source of fraud, yet they have simultaneously cut back the detail published. It reads like an admission of vulnerability without conceding a breach of trust,' he said.
''This looks like an attempt to fix a spreadsheet rather than fix the system,' he added. 'Fraud does not happen because the public can see a few extra data points. It happens because verification is light-touch and assets can move before and checks are made.'
Fraser said that the current application process for a grant of letters of administration has 'wide open' loopholes. 'Trimming a spreadsheet on GOV.UK won't close those gaps,' he added.
The Government Legal Department statement concluded: 'If there are any further allegations of fraud or misuse, access [to the list] may be restricted or removed without notice.'
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