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Regulation of the Bailiff Sector
11 February 2025
Lead MP
Luke Charters
York Outer
Lab
Responding Minister
Alex Davies-Jones
Tags
NHS
Word Count: 3013
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Luke Charters raised concerns about regulation of the bailiff sector in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.