Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the news that the law will
be changed to give vulnerable people stronger protection from aggressive
bailiffs.
Under new laws to clean up
the industry, bailiffs will be banned from entering homes when only children
are present and at night. New safeguards will prevent bailiffs from using force
against people who owe money and they will also no longer have free reign to
fix their own fees, as new set costs are brought in.
Until now there has been
insufficient legal protection against aggressive bailiffs. These new laws, and
a mandatory training and certification scheme which they must pass before going
into business, will change that. Businesses will still be able to collect debts
fairly, but bailiffs who do not follow the rules will be barred from the
industry.
Commenting Mr Metcalfe said:
“At the moment there is very little to stop unscrupulous bailiffs from abusing
their position and making life a misery for vulnerable people here in South
Basildon and East Thurrock. It is terribly stressful to find yourself in debt
and the last thing people in that situation need is harassment from debt
collectors.”
“We need a system which
allows the majority of responsible bailiffs to get on with doing their jobs
fairly, but which stops abuse and gives real protection. That is exactly what
these changes will create.”
Conservative Justice Minister
Helen Grant MP added: “For too long bailiffs have gone unregulated, allowing a
small minority to give the industry a bad name. Too many people in debt have
had the additional stress of dealing with aggressive bailiffs who often charge
extortionate fees.”
“These new laws will clean up
the industry and ensure bailiffs play by the rules or face being prevented from
practising. They will also make sure businesses and public bodies can collect
their debts fairly.”
