Ministers have promised a ‘major legal overhaul of the bailiff industry’ setting out ‘how ethical activity should be enshrined in law’.

‘Too many people have experienced intrusive, expensive and stressful bailiff action and more often than not the public do not hold bailiffs in high regard, despite the fact most bailiffs carry out their work professionally.’ Justice Minister, Jonathan Djanogly

The Ministry of Justice consultation sets out proposals to:

• prohibit the use of force against a person with safeguards to protect children
• remodel and clarify the complaints process
• create minimum entry standards and certification process to ensure bailiffs are fit to operate
• set out when and how a bailiff can enter a property
• set out to whom and under what circumstances reasonable force to enter premises will be available
• make clear which items an enforcement agent may not take from someone’s home; and
• make clear what fees bailiffs can charge for the range of debts that they collect for local government, courts and businesses.