Government refuses to reveal Renters’ Rights Bill court impact assessment

The government has refused to release the Justice Impact Test for the Renters’ Rights Bill, a crucial document detailing the legislation’s potential impact on the courts and tribunals.

The decision has sparked concerns about openness in the legislative process.

The news comes after Reapit, a property industry technology provider, sought access to the assessment through correspondence with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The test, required for any proposed changes affecting the judicial system, provides estimates on expected court and tribunal case volumes and potential shifts in legal aid requirements.

Cannot share the assessment

In a letter, Baroness Taylor, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at MHCLG, stated: “Justice Impact Assessments are internal government documents which are not routinely published, and therefore I should note that we will not be able to share them with you.”

She added that the ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Services to ensure sufficient resources for any case volume changes.

She continued: “In the longer term, we expect our reforms to reduce the volume of court possession claims, as only those cases where there is a clear, well-evidenced ground for possession will be able to proceed.”

Refusal raises serious questions

Reapit has challenged the government’s stance, arguing that public interest demands greater scrutiny of the document.

The firm’s commercial director, Neil Cobbold, said: “The government’s decision not to share the Renters’ Rights Bill Justice Impact Test raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.

“The estimate of changes in the number of court and tribunal cases is a vital tool for understanding how the legislation will affect the property sector – including case volumes – and whether the justice infrastructure is in place to support the change.”

He added: “With limited time left for parliamentarians to scrutinise the Bill, the refusal to publish this information will stifle meaningful debate.

“Landlords, tenants, letting agents and legal professionals all need clarity to assess how the Renters’ Rights Bill will impact their operations and access to justice.”