A lettings industry supplier has voiced strong concerns after the government refused to publish the Justice Impact Test linked to the Renters’ Rights Bill. This key document assesses how the Bill could affect the workload and resources of the courts and tribunals system – information seen as crucial for understanding the wider implications of the proposed legislation.

The company, Reapit, has been in contact with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) regarding the matter. In its correspondence, it formally requested access to the Justice Impact Test, which departments must complete when proposed legislation could have an effect on the judicial system. The process is designed to provide the Ministry of Justice with the data needed to assess projected volumes of court and tribunal cases and determine whether the system can handle such changes. These assessments are also used to understand the potential need for additional legal aid provisions.

Despite this, the request was declined. In a letter to Reapit, Baroness Taylor – the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at MHCLG – stated that “Justice Impact Assessments are internal government documents which are not routinely published,” adding that “we will not be able to share them with you.” She went on to reassure that MHCLG is working closely with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to ensure the justice system will have the resources needed to adapt to any increase in caseloads.

Baroness Taylor further stated that the government believes the reforms proposed in the Renters’ Rights Bill will ultimately reduce the number of possession claims in the courts. According to her, the new rules will ensure that only cases with clear and well-supported grounds for possession will proceed, potentially reducing the burden on the legal system in the long term.

However, Reapit has pushed back on this position, arguing that there is a strong case for public access to the Justice Impact Test. Dr Neil Cobbold, the firm’s commercial director, said the government’s refusal to release the information “raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.” He stressed that understanding how the Bill may affect case volumes in the courts is essential for property professionals, landlords, and tenants alike.

Dr Cobbold went on to say that with limited time left for MPs to debate the Bill in Parliament, the lack of access to such a critical document restricts informed discussion and limits the ability of stakeholders to prepare effectively for the potential changes. He highlighted that without clarity, key players in the property sector are left uncertain about how the reforms will impact their daily operations and their access to justice.

He concluded that the government should prioritise openness and provide reassurance that the justice infrastructure can support the proposed reforms. In a sector already facing uncertainty, withholding such relevant and timely information could be viewed as a step backwards in efforts to improve transparency in housing legislation.