CAB - New bailiff rules reflects out of control industry

4 Apr 2014 12:45 PM

The Ministry of Justice has highlighted that new rules to clamp down on aggressive behaviour by bailiffs come into force on Sunday 6 April. Citizens Advice emphasises the need for bailiffs to embrace these reforms to stop practices like children being given debt letters and end threats of violence.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“For too long bailiffs have been getting away with aggressive behaviour and charging for visits they don't make. We help with one thousand bailiff problems a week. People have reported bailiffs giving debt letters to their children and threatening violence. These new rules reflect just how out of control the industry is and are a welcome step towards protecting people in debt.

“It's important bailiffs seize this opportunity to transform into a responsible industry that understands the difference between people who can't pay and people who won't pay.  We'll be watching to see if that really does happen.

“What is missing from these changes is accountability for bailiff firms. We'd like to see a licensing system that means firms are struck off if bailiffs break the rules.”

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014.  Contact the press office to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online atwww.adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.