New Standards for Bailiffs

In these tough times, more people may be facing debt and debt collectors.

It may be of interest to know the Ministry of Justice newly issued guidelines on what debt enforcement agents may and may not do in pursuit of recovery of debt. 

National Standards for Enforcement Agents [pdf]

and as a quick guide:

How to handle bailiffs

Here are some tips from charity National Debtline about what you should do if confronted by a bailiff.

• As a general rule, if the bailiffs have not been into your home before to collect this debt, they have no right to come in. They cannot break in and you can choose not to let them in.
• By law, the police should not force you to allow a bailiff in. Bailiffs will sometimes call the police and ask them to force you to let them in, though some policemen and women are unaware of the complex laws and regulations involved so ensure you're clear on your rights.
• Don't sign anything. If the bailiff leaves papers for you to sign and return, you do not have to do this. You don't have to sign agreements posted through your door either.
• Except in rent arrears cases, bailiffs cannot take goods which are rented or hired or that belong entirely to someone else. This includes goods on hire purchase agreements.