Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Evictions and Bailiff Enforcement Activity: Covid-19

Tuesday 2 February 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has banned bailiffs from enforcing evictions in England except in serious circumstances until 21 February.
  • Public Health England has considered the safety of bailiff enforcement and is satisfied with the current measures.
  • Six months' notice before possession proceedings start is now required to ensure safety and respect for convention rights.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Virendra Sharma Lab
Policing & Resources Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of evictions and enforcement by bailiffs during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Question

What assessment has been made of the implications for policies regarding evictions and other enforcement activity conducted by bailiff organisations during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Effective enforcement is essential to justice but must be done safely during the pandemic. The Government has banned bailiffs from enforcing evictions in England except in serious circumstances until 21 February, and have published covid-safe guidance for bailiff enforcement of debts and fines.

Answered
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Q2 Virendra Sharma Lab
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The MP is concerned about hard-up families receiving knocks from bailiffs and the widespread abuse of bailiff actions reported by charities.

Question

In the middle of a deadly pandemic, why are bailiffs permitted to undertake unsafe enforcement action? The shadow Minister for legal aid has written twice urging to pause home visits. Will the ban on home visits be reimposed, and will the Government deliver better industry regulations?

Answer from Alex Chalk

In normal circumstances, enforcement can occur after two months of arrears. Now there needs to be six months' notice before possession proceedings start, ensuring safety and respect for convention rights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reimposing the ban on home visits and delivering better industry regulations

How: Distinguish Between Evictions And Enforcement

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Q3 Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East
NHS Employment
Context

The MP is concerned about new daily infections and deaths due to COVID-19, questioning how enforcement can continue as usual.

Question

With over 20,000 new covid infections each day and more than 1,000 deaths, how can the Minister justify allowing bailiffs to proceed with business as usual during this deadly pandemic?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Public Health England has considered these matters and is satisfied with the situation. We ensure safety in proceedings while respecting all rights, including convention rights such as article 1 of protocol 1.

Not addressed: How can bailiffs proceed despite high infection rates

How: Completely Disregarded, Business As Usual

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