23 Jul 2025
The government is under pressure for refusing to disclose its Justice Impact Test for the Renters’ Rights Bill after one committee revealed there are severe delays in county courts.
The crucial document details the Bill’s effects on courts, tribunals and legal aid.
The decision to withhold the assessment comes in response to a Freedom of Information request from proptech firm Reapit – which says it is appealing the decision not to reveal the document.
The move has sparked concerns about transparency as the Bill approaches its final parliamentary stages.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) justified withholding the data by invoking Section 35(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, which safeguards policy formulation.
The ministry argued that releasing the study could create a ‘chilling effect’ on policy development and stated that ‘on balance, it is not in the public interest to disclose this information at this time’.
Landlords need to know
The firm’s commercial director, Dr Neil Cobbold, said: “We recognise the government’s need for a ‘safe space’ during the early stages of policy development.
“However, with the Renters’ Rights Bill clearing the Report Stage in the House of Lords, the focus is shifting towards final amendments and implementation.”
He added: “At this point, there is a clear public interest in understanding how the justice system is expected to respond to the changes.
“This is critical in light of the Justice Committee’s recent report showing increasing delays for those seeking justice through the County Courts, which is where most eviction cases will be ruled on.”
Court delays for evictions
The government’s refusal comes as the House of Commons Justice Committee released a report highlighting severe delays in County Courts, where most eviction cases are processed.
The committee described these delays as ‘unacceptable and increasing’, pointing to issues like staff shortages and limited capacity.
The report also noted that the Ministry of Justice lacks comprehensive data to fully grasp the scale of these challenges or assess current interventions effectively.
Reapit, which sought the Justice Impact Test after Baroness Taylor, a junior minister at MHCLG, declined to share it, has now appealed the government’s decision.
Mr Cobbold said: “Landlords, tenants and letting agents are already preparing for what the Bill will mean in practice.
“Publishing the Justice Impact Test would provide much-needed clarity and help ensure that everyone affected is ready for the transition.”
