Renters Reform Bill: timetable may be clearer next month

The State Opening of Parliament will take place on Tuesday May 11, with many expecting this to be when the government confirms that the Renters Reform Bill is to enter the Commons on the road to becoming law. 

The Queen’s Speech will set out the government’s agenda for the next session - there has been widespread expectation that this will include the controversial Bill, which will scrap the power of agents and landlords to execute Section 21 evictions, and will strengthen Section 8 powers in return.

The Bill is also expected to outline the government thinking on so-called ‘lifetime rental passports’ whereby deposits can be shifted from one property to another, making it easier for renters to move home.

In light of the pandemic it is expected that the State Opening will be scaled back with reduced ceremonial elements and fewer attendees to ensure it is Covid-secure.

As is usual, the current session of Parliament will be prorogued ahead of the Queen’s Speech and this time will be used to enable logistical and security preparations for the State Opening of Parliament.

A No10 spokesperson says: “While we are still in the middle of a pandemic this Queen’s Speech will look quite different, but it is important we take forward our plans and deliver policies to improve the lives of people across the country through a new Parliamentary session.”