Bailiffs will be regulated
March 21, 2007 by admin
Filed under News, News-Credit-Cards
Those of us in debt will be protected from overzealous bailiffs by a strict new licensing regime.
That is the promise of constitutional affairs minister Vera Baird who says that bailiffs will not be given the power to forcibly enter a domestic property until the new licensing system is in place.
It comes as new laws are set to be introduced which will give bailiffs to right to force their way into a property to collect debts due for credit cards, loans and other bills.
The proposed laws have caused controversy as it is claimed that bailiffs are not properly policed and consumers need to be protected from rogue elements.
“Concerns have rightly been expressed about the right of bailiffs to force entry to people’s homes,” commented Ms Baird.
“We have always said forced entry can only be used as a last resort and when all other avenues have been exhausted.
“Today, I’m happy to announce this power will not come into force until those bailiffs who are not Crown employees are licensed by an independent regulator. This will help to further protect the public,” she added.
Ms Baird’s announcement has been welcomed by Citizens Advice, although the organisation has warned that regulation of bailiffs must be “robust”.
If you are in debt do not ignore the problem and hope that it will go away. If you contact your lender or debt collection agency to arrange a repayment plan you can begin to pay off the debt and avoid having bailiffs visit your home.
