Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans she has to reform the court system in the light of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

The Renters Rights Bill will abolish section 21 (Housing Act 1988, no fault evictions) and amend the existing section 8 grounds, which will affect the County Court. Courts currently handle section 8 claims, however, legislative changes to section 8 that impact court processes or procedures will be subject to the necessary changes by the relevant Procedure Rule Committee.

The Government has also committed to digitise the court possession service, making it simpler and easier for landlords and tenants to use.

The Bill will also have an impact on the work of the Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal. My officials are working with those in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to fully understand the implications and to identify the resources required to deal with cases as they arise.