Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
The government has announced that it will become compulsory for High Court Enforcement Agents and certificated enforcement agents to wear body-worn cameras. The Government says that while the vast majority act professionally and within the rules, there are concerns that some bailiffs continue to employ intimidating tactics that put both themselves and often vulnerable consumers at risk.
Therefore the Government says is taking decisive action and making body-worn cameras mandatory to ensure debt is collected in a fair and safe manner – with those who fail to do so held to account.
It comes after recent moves by ministers to improve industry standards and better protect vulnerable consumers. This includes introducing a new 60-day ‘breathing space’ for people struggling to cope with debt – during which creditors will not be able to chase payments and individuals must seek professional advice.
Justice Minister Paul Maynard said “The use of intimidation and aggression by some bailiffs is utterly unacceptable, and it is right we do all we can to tackle such behaviour. Whilst most bailiffs act above board, body-worn cameras will provide greater security for all involved – not least consumers who are often vulnerable.”
“We are looking carefully at other measures to improve the system and will not hesitate to take action where necessary.”
Today’s announcement follows a recent Government call for evidence aimed at ending intimidating practices, whilst better protecting vulnerable people. A response outlining its findings, including options for independent regulation and an improved complaints system, will be published after the summer following further engagement with the enforcement industry and the advice sector.
Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Enforcement Association that represents firms employing more than 1800 active agents said “We have been working towards an industry agreement on the compulsory use of body-worn video. Following talks with Ministers we are encouraged by the decision that all enforcement agents must record their activities, which should include in-house council teams. This decision offers reassurance to the public that standards are consistently high and gives protection to our agents who do a difficult job on behalf of local authorities.”
Joanna Elson OBE, Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline, said “Compulsory body-worn cameras are a good idea, but on their own will not do nearly enough to resolve the systemic problems that exist in the bailiff industry. Our debt advisers hear day in, day out the harm being caused by bailiff action – and this goes far beyond a few so-called ‘rogue bailiffs’.”
“Body-worn cameras should be just one small part of a much wider system of independent regulation, accompanied by an easily accessible complaints mechanism, as the Justice Select Committee has recommended. We are pleased the Minister has indicated that independent regulation is still on the table as an option, and look forward to working with Ministry of Justice officials as they develop their full response to the recent call for evidence.”
Research by the Money Advice Trust has shown that 2.3 million debts were passed to bailiffs by local authorities in England and Wales in 2016/17 – an increase of 14% on two years previously. The majority of these debts (1.38 million) were council tax arrears.