Government urged to step up to secure important bailiff reforms

The Government has announced its support for a new independent bailiff regulator, the Enforcement Conduct Board, 

Commenting on the support Adam Butler, Public Policy Manager at StepChange said “It’s encouraging to see the Government renew its commitment to raising standards in the bailiff enforcement industry, especially at a time when millions are struggling with the cost of living and are vulnerable to problem debt.”

“StepChange and its partners have seen too often the effects of poor bailiff conduct on our clients, and we believe the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), launched earlier this year, is an important step towards ensuring fair treatment and protection for people subject to bailiff enforcement.”

“We welcome the Government’s pledge to support the ECB and review the case for strengthening its powers over the next two years. All sides including the bailiff industry agree that the Government must step up to give the ECB the necessary tools and powers to root out bad practice and improve industry oversight.

“Further progress is vital to improve protections for financially vulnerable households, and we look forward to working with Government, ECB and the industry over the coming weeks and months as we continue on the path to raising standards and reducing harm.”

Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of the Civil Enforcement Association, said “We are encouraged that the Ministry of Justice has published a balanced report that recognises a cultural shift in the enforcement industry to ensure that people in debt are treated fairly. Although the evidence is now three years out of date, we are concerned that a small number of enforcement agents were acting in a way not reflective of the level of professionalism held throughout the industry. This is one of the reasons that we have established the Enforcement Conduct Board, as an independent oversight body. CIVEA members have stepped up to voluntarily meet all of the recommendations of the Justice Select Committee and will continue to collectively strive towards improving standards further.”