The UK government has refused to release the Justice Impact Test for Angela Rayner’s Renters’ Rights Bill, a key document assessing the legislation’s potential effect on courts and tribunals. The move has drawn criticism from stakeholders, who warn it limits informed debate and undermines accountability.

What is the Justice Impact Test?

• It is a mandatory internal document that forecasts how legislative changes could:

  • Affect court and tribunal caseloads

  • Alter legal aid demand

  • Impact justice system resourcing

• This test is particularly relevant to the Renters’ Rights Bill, which proposes significant reforms to tenancy law and eviction processes.

Government’s Position:

In response to a request by Reapit, a property technology provider, Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (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.”

She added that MHCLG is working with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to prepare for any increase in case volumes, but insisted the Bill should ultimately reduce possession claims by ensuring only “clear, well-evidenced” cases proceed.

Industry Response:

Neil Cobbold, Commercial Director at Reapit, expressed strong concern:

“The government’s decision not to share the Renters’ Rights Bill Justice Impact Test raises serious questions about transparency and accountability…
Landlords, tenants, letting agents, and legal professionals all need clarity to assess how the Bill will impact their operations and access to justice.”

He warned that withholding the document:

• Prevents meaningful parliamentary scrutiny

• Limits public understanding of the Bill’s legal and operational consequences

• Delays sector preparedness

Summary Analysis:

The refusal to publish the Justice Impact Test undermines confidence in the legislative process around the Renters’ Rights Bill. With significant changes to possession processes and tenant protections on the table, stakeholders argue that access to detailed impact modelling is essential for informed debate and effective planning.

While the government claims the reforms will ultimately ease pressure on the courts, the lack of transparency could hinder sector readiness and legal certainty — especially given the tight legislative timeline before the next General Election.