In a letter to Conservative MPs last week, Gove wrote: ‘Implementation of reforms in the bill won’t proceed until further improvements are in place and HM Courts and Tribunals Service is fully prepared for these changes.’
Gove wrote that the areas for improvement that currently frustrate proceedings include digitising more of the court process, improving bailiff recruitment and retention and providing early legal advice and better signposting for tenants.
Gary Scott, partner, Spector Constant & Williams, said it was ‘a practical and sensible step to link the implementation of the abolition of s 21 to changes in court efficiency and process’ but warned ‘it is highly questionable whether there is yet sufficient political will to carry out the requisite investment and reform that would be needed.’
