A lettings industry supplier has accused the government of withholding the Justice Impact Test for the Renters’ Rights Bill—a key document outlining the Bill’s expected effect on courts and tribunals.

The supplier has engaged with the government over the Renters’ Rights Bill, requested access to the relevant Justice Impact Tests but has yet to receive them.

Government departments proposing policy changes that could affect the courts must complete an assessment form—handled in this instance by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)—and submit it to the Ministry of Justice. This document is essential for estimating the anticipated volume of court and tribunal cases, as well as potential changes to legal aid resulting from the legislation.

Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, declined to disclose the Justice Impact Assessment results in a letter to the company. She stated that such assessments are classified as internal government documents and are not routinely published, adding that the government would not be able to share them.

The minister further clarified that the MHCLG said: “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.”

The Baroness said that the MCHLG is “working closely with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal services to agree how these reforms are implemented, ensuring the courts and tribunals will have the resources they need to adjust to any changes in caseloads.

“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.”

The company argues that making this information publicly available is vital for transparency and broader scrutiny.

The company’s commercial director, states: “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.

“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.”