Debt Charities Complain That Bailiffs Continue To Abuse Powers
Debt charities have been highlighting how some bailiffs have been continuing to intimidate debtors despite changes in the law designed to place limits on their powers.
The flouting of current rules and regulations could see the government take a harder line particularly when there are reports that debtors have been treated unfairly. While the complaints only relate to some rogue bailiffs, further regulation could be triggered that could have implications even for bailiffs who are simply doing their job.
The government is already considering a review of existing laws to see if they go far enough in their purpose of protecting debtors.
While appointing a bailiff is often seen as a last resort, they are often appointed by courts following cases where a debtor has failed to pay up and continues to avoid repaying what is owed. Bailiffs can seize property to help pay debts such as council tax bills.
Bailiffs shouldn’t use tactics which might be perceived as being aggressive and laws state that a bailiff is not allowed to enter a home at night, they must have a valid form of ID and they must not charge unlawful fees when recovering debts.