Bullying bailiffs face being stripped of their powers in new government crackdown
Four years after an initial overhaul of debt collection practices ministers are investigating claims that bailiffs are still being overly aggressive towards vulnerable people
BULLYING bailiffs face being stripped of their powers in a fresh government crackdown.
Ministers will today begin an inquiry into claims that debt collectors are still being overly aggressive, four years after an initial overhaul of the sector.
Vulnerable people subjected to ill-treatment are being urged to give evidence, the Ministry of Justice said.
New laws were introduced in 2014, designed to bring an end to aggressive behaviour.
Reforms included banning bailiffs from entering homes at night and using physical force against debtors, as well as preventing them from entering properties where only children are at home and from taking vital household essentials such as cookers, microwaves, fridges or washing machines.
But the MoJ said the review revealed “lingering concerns” about the behaviour of a minority of bailiffs.
Justice minister Lucy Frazer said: “The majority of bailiffs act professionally and within the rules, but we have been told by those working on the front line that this may not always be the case.
“Aggressive tactics will not be tolerated, and through our call for evidence we will identify where the problems are and, if necessary, take action to ensure all bailiffs operate professionally and with proper respect and sensitivity.”
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