The Prime Minister has unveiled a crackdown on rogue bailiffs who treat people in debt unfairly.
Andy Burnham announced tougher regulations for bailiffs today alongside separate measures aimed at “putting cowboy builders out of business”.
The government pledged to increase oversight of the debt enforcement sector to ensure that private sector bailiffs adhere to consistent professional standards.
The new rules will require private bailiffs in England and Wales to be approved by the Enforcement Conduct Board individually or by working for a company.
This means that anyone facing enforcement action will have access to an independent complaints process.
The government says vulnerable people are sometimes pressured to repay, leaving them unable to afford necessities.
Ministers also confirmed long-term plans to reform the wider consumer protection landscape.
This will examine how organizations such as Citizens Advice and Trading Standards work with regulators, enforcement bodies and compensation schemes.
The government says it wants to make it easier for organizations to work together so that consumers and victims of scams are not “shuffled from pillar to post”.
Courts and Legal Services Minister Sarah Sackman says: “Bailiffs have an important job to do, but with that responsibility must come high standards.
“When someone is already struggling with debt, the last thing they should face is intimidating behavior, unfair treatment or being pushed into excessive repayment arrangements that they cannot afford.
“That’s why we’re strengthening the rules.
“All private bailiffs will have to meet appropriate professional standards and will be subject to independent oversight – giving people greater protection and a place to turn when things go wrong.”
