On Tuesday, I held a Westminster Hall debate on the pressing need for regulation of the bailiff sector.
I spoke about distressing instances where vulnerable individuals have suffered due to aggressive and unregulated bailiff practices.
One particularly troubling case I mentioned was a disabled individual who, upon answering his door with the chain secured, experienced a bailiff forcibly entering his home. The bailiff proceeded to demean him with terms such as “waste of a life,” “loser,” and “scum.” The bailiff wrongfully seized his equipment provided by the local authority to assist with his disability.
Such reports are not alone, I shared other harrowing stories such as the impact on mental health, with individuals driven to the brink of suicide and one woman enduring a late-term abortion after relentless harassment by bailiffs. These accounts underscore the urgent need for systemic change.
Currently, the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) serves as the industry’s oversight body. However, its voluntary nature means that not all firms are compelled to adhere to its standards. This lack of mandatory compliance allows appalling behaviours to persist unchecked.
One of my recommendations in the debate, a “vulnerable customer charter” would set out minimum standards of care for those in such intimidating scenarios. Where there has been misconduct, I recommended a bailiff services compensation scheme to provide clear pathways to address misconduct from rogue bailiffs, including historic misconduct.
I am grateful to Victims Minister, Alex Davies-Jones for attending the debate who expressed her shock and emphasised the critical importance of addressing these issues. She assured that the government is actively considering the establishment of a robust independent regulator to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable individuals from such abuses.
I’d also like to thank the charity Step Change for their support on bringing pertinent topic to light.
The harrowing stories heard in the debate demonstrate why this is so critical, and I will continue to work with the government to ensure that much needed regulation is brought in
