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Baroness Scotland of Ashtal QC, Minister for the Lord Chancellor's Department, today launched the National Standards for Enforcement Agents. The National Standards identifies duties and responsibilities which creditors and their enforcement agents share. It has been warmly welcomed by the enforcement profession.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Certificated Bailiffs Association held on HMS Belfast, the Baroness said:

"This publication is a useful opportunity to raise standards of the enforcement profession nationally, by building on and improving existing guidance and best practice. I am very keen that we sustain some of the momentum that has built up during the Enforcement Review and I regard this document as step towards future legislation in this area. I am also grateful to the many organisations that have endorsed this publication. It has only been possible because of their co-operation and willingness."

In order to improve the public's perception of the enforcement profession, enforcement agents and those who employ them, or use their services must maintain high standards of business ethics and practice.

The document highlights various areas of enforcement:

- Professionalism and conduct of the enforcement agent; - Statutory or Financial Requirements for Enforcement Agencies - Training and Certification
- Complaints/Discipline
- Information and Confidentiality
- Times and Hours
- Goods
- Vulnerable Situations
- Creditors' Responsibilities

These standards are intended for use by all enforcement agents both public and private, the enforcement agencies that employ them and the major creditors who use their services.

Notes to Editors:

1. Copies of the document National Standards for Enforcement Agents - are available from the LCD website : http://www.lcd.gov.uk

2. Hard copies of the report can be obtained from Meeta Poojara, Civil Enforcement Branch, Civil Justice Division, Lord Chancellor's Department, Selborne House, 54-60 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QW. Tel: 020 7210 8654. Email: meeta.poojara@lcdhq.gsi.gov.uk

3. The National Standards for Enforcement Agents has been endorsed by: The Association of Civil Enforcement Agencies; the Advisory Group on Enforcement Service Delivery; the Certificated Bailiffs; Association; the Child Support Agency; the Civil Court Users Association; the Court Service; the Department for Transport, Local Government & the Regions; Her Majesty's Customs & Excise; the Inland Revenue; the Institute of Revenues; Rating & Valuation; the Local Authorities Civil Enforcement Forum; the Local Government Association; the Sheriffs' Officers Association and the Under Sheriffs' Association.

ENDS

Lord Chancellor's Department Press Notice
Selborne House,
54 Victoria Street,
London SW1E 6QW
Tel:020-7210 8512/8513
Fax:020-7210 8633
www.lcd.gov.uk