Labour MP for York Outer Luke Charters says the Government’s announcement of a consultation to regulate the bailiff industry, following his campaign alongside debt charities, victims, and legal experts it very welcome.
It came after one of his constituents was threatened with the removal of disability equipment.
Back in March he visited StepChange debt charity in Leeds to hear first hand the problems in the industry.
Mr Charters said: "I am absolutely delighted by this development and remain as committed as ever to working with all stakeholders to make regulation a reality - ideally underpinned by law.
"This announcement marks a vital step forward for millions of people across the country, and is hugely welcome news for vulnerable individuals who have been left unprotected for far too long.
"The consultation invites views on how to ensure that there is independent oversight of firms that employ enforcement agents and High Court Enforcement Officers.
"Last autumn, I began working with StepChange and others on a bold and long-overdue campaign: to finally regulate the bailiff sector.
"Over the past year, I have heard shocking stories of intimidation and unlawful behaviour by rogue bailiffs who have operated without oversight for far too long.
"Until the welcome introduction of the Enforcement Conduct Board—which now voluntarily regulates 95 per cent of the bailiff sector—there was no independent regulation and no proper mechanism to hold enforcement agents accountable when they overstepped the mark. Yet even with the ECB in place, fiev per cent of the sector has remained completely unchecked.
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