The leader of Landlord Action has commended the efforts of MP Theresa Villiers for raising issues surrounding court delays which must be addressed before Section 21 is abolished.
Speaking on the Commons this week Villiers emphasised the importance of efficient court operations in the context of wider housing and rental reforms.
She acknowledged the need for the Renters Reform Bill, and stressed the need to be tough on bad landlords while ensuring good ones are not unfairly penalised.
However, Villiers highlighted that to ensure the success of these reforms, it is essential to address inefficiencies within the court system, which lead to extensive delays in legal proceedings related to housing issues.
Landlord Action founder Paul Shamplina – a constituent of Villiers – says: “I am grateful to Theresa Villiers for her efforts to bring these issues to the forefront of the government’s attention. We fully support her call for a swift resolution to court delays, ensuring that the Renters Reform Bill can achieve its intended goals while preserving the vitality of the rental sector.”
During the debate, Theresa Villiers said : “My constituent Paul Shamplina, the founder of the solicitors firm Landlord Action, believes that delays are worse than he has experienced in his 33 years in the sector.
“He has told me of three bailiff applications with Willesden court that have taken six months to be issued. In Swindon, it took three months to send a notice of issue for a basic N5B claim, and Central London county court took seven months to appoint a bailiff and grant transfer to the High Court for enforcement.
“Other constituents have told me about bailiff delays in removing tenants who have not paid rent for many months.”
Villiers called upon the Minister for the Courts, Under-Secretary of State for Justice Mike Freer, to expedite efforts to resolve court delays.
While acknowledging the recruitment of 1,000 new judges and the ongoing digitisation process, Villiers stressed the importance of continuous improvement to ensure that the courts operate as efficiently as possible.
