February 17 2012
Today the Government has launched a public consultation which sets out how it plans to provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs and encourage more flexibility in bailiff collections. It seeks to set out how ethical activity should be enshrined in law so bailiffs can continue to enforce the payment of debts and fines.
This consultation sets out proposals which will seek to:
• Prohibit the use of force against a person, with safeguards to protect children;
• Remodel and clarify the complaints process available to the debtor;
• Create minimum entry standards and certification process to ensure bailiffs are fit to operate;
• Set out when and how a bailiff can enter a property;
• Set out to whom and under what circumstances reasonable force to enter premises will be available;
• Make clear which items an enforcement agent may not take from someone's home; and
• Make clear what fees bailiffs can charge for the range of debts that they collect for local government, courts and businesses.
The consultation will run until the 14th May 2012. You can respond online, by email or by post - details are provided in the consultation document.
We welcome views from all sectors at enforcement@dbs.....