Government announces new protections for people in debt

The government has unveiled plans to make the debt collection process fairer and more supportive for people struggling with debt.

Under the new proposals, the notice period before an enforcement officer can visit a home will double from seven to 14 days (and 28 days if requested by a debt adviser).

This should reduce the number of doorstep visits and give people more time to get debt advice and/or set up a payment agreement.

Stronger regulation of bailiff firms on the way

Ministers have also put forward plans for greater regulation of bailiff firms, including oversight from an independent body.

Most bailiff firms have already signed up to the Enforcement Conduct Board’s voluntary accreditation scheme.

But the government wants to make sure that all of them follow the same standards and are overseen by the same body.

This, it says, would mean vulnerable people are better protected.

“These reforms will help make sure those facing the enforcement system are properly protected and supported in dealing with their debts,” said local government minister Jim McMahon.

“And we won’t just stop here.

“We will shortly be consulting on improvements to council tax administration including the way council tax is collected and enforced.”

What we want to see

Money Wellness are fully behind calls to better regulate the bailiff sector, so people who are at risk of action are properly protected and given suitable debt advice.

We’re calling for:

• Local authorities to focus on providing tailored support, not going straight to bailiff action.
• No threat of imprisonment for non-payment.
• Changes to council tax enforcement, so people get more time to pay.
• Stricter guidelines for bailiff conduct, so people are treated with respect, professionalism and fairness.
• Bailiffs to assess a person’s vulnerability before taking action.
• People to be referred to a free debt adviser before any enforcement action.

To find out more about enforcement action, your rights and what a bailiff can and can’t do, check out our handy guide. 

You can also give us a ring if you need advice on how to deal with bailiffs.

And if you’re struggling with your debts, then don’t delay asking for help.

We can advise you on debt solutions if you’re struggling with repayments (some are free, for others there’s a fee).