Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Regulation of the Bailiff Sector

11 February 2025 · 4 other contributors · 3,013 words

Opened by Luke Charters Lab York Outer

Responding minister: Alex Davies-Jones

Justice & CourtsSafeguarding & DBSMental Health

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Luke Charters raised concerns about regulation of the bailiff sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about a vulnerable disabled person experiencing aggressive behavior by a bailiff.
  • Calls for the Government to legislate for an independent regulator and to put the Enforcement Conduct Board on a statutory footing.
  • Minister acknowledged ongoing issues with rogue bailiffs and the need for public protection.

Key requests to Government

Calls for the Government to legislate to introduce an independent regulator for the enforcement sector, put the Enforcement Conduct Board on a statutory footing, and set out a timetable to consult on legislation to introduce statutory regulation of the sector.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Luke Charters Lab York Outer

A vulnerable disabled person experienced a bailiff forcefully entering their home and seizing equipment supplied by the local authority. The Enforcement Conduct Board regulates about 95% of the bailiff sector, but problems persist with one in three people experiencing rule-breaking behaviour from regulated bailiffs. Debt collection can lead to mental health issues, including suicide attempts and anxiety-induced late-term abortions.

Other contributors (4)
  • Chris Bloore Lab Redditch

    Agreed with the case for statutory underpinning of the Enforcement Conduct Board, suggesting it would enable legal actions against rogue bailiffs.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Committed to the debate, expressing concern over bailiffs' lack of compassion and supporting the need for legislative action.

  • Western Lab

    Thanked Mr Charters for securing this debate and expressed support for regulating bailiffs, emphasizing the need for protection against inappropriate enforcement action.

  • The Minister of State for Housing and Residential Care Con Brighton Kemptown

    Acknowledged the need for legislation to ensure a level playing field, guaranteeing standard oversight by an independent body. Emphasized ongoing consideration of issues raised in the debate.

Government Response

Alex Davies-Jones

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice

Acknowledged concerns about rogue bailiffs and the need to ensure public protection. Noted that since 2014, reforms have aimed to disincentivise aggressive enforcement but found some agents still act aggressively or fail to comply with rules. Recommended setting up an independent complaints body as part of ongoing efforts to regulate the sector.

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