Taking control – Report and Recommendations.
Citizens Advice and 6 other charities report this week (1) that some bailiffs are still exceeding their powers when trying to recover debts.
Laws reformed as recently as 2014 should have provided debtors with greater protection from aggressive bailiffs.
Citizens Advice chief executive, Gillian Guy, said:
“Harsh tactics by bailiffs can cause severe distress and push people even further into debt. Local authorities have a key role to play in stamping out bad practices – by treating people in arrears fairly and ensuring bailiffs are only ever used as a last resort.”
In their report (2) the charities recommend changes including: independent regulation of bailiffs; a new complaints procedure; a universal means of suspending enforcement; and fees to incentivise good practice.
Council Tax Protocol
In October 2013 Citizens Advice published a Collection of Council Tax Arrears Protocol (3). It was prepared with the help of, and approved by, the Local Government Association. Consultation on a revised version is expected to begin later this month.
The new protocol will be an opportunity for discussion about best practice between Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead and officials at Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.
1) Some bailiffs ‘still abusing powers’, debt charities say BBC News, 14/03/17
2) Taking Control – The need for fundamental bailiff reform. Citizens Advice and 6 other charities, March 2017
3) Collection of Council Tax Arrears Protocol, Citizens Advice. October 2013