The government has announced tougher enforcement regulations for bailiffs, with proposals to hold private bailiffs to professional standards and provide access to an independent complaints process for those facing enforcement action.
Under the plans, private bailiffs operating in England and Wales would be required to come under the oversight of the Enforcement Conduct Board. The board, established in 2022, currently operates as a voluntary regulator, with participation not a legal requirement.
Sarah Sackman, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, stated that "all private bailiffs will have to meet proper, professional standards and will be subject to independent oversight, giving people greater protection and somewhere to turn when things go wrong." She added that with the responsibility of bailiffs' work, high standards must follow, to prevent intimidating behaviour or unfair treatment for those struggling with debt.
The government is also exploring measures aimed at improving bailiff recruitment and retention.