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Plans for bailiffs to be self-regulated but Martin Lewis warns compulsory regulation is needed

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Plans for bailiffs in England and Wales to be self-regulated have been put forward by the Centre for Social Justice in a bid to better protect people in debt. But Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, warns that the industry-funded body doesn't go far enough, saying that every bailiff firm needs to be "tightly and independently" regulated...
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Plans for bailiffs to be self-regulated but Martin Lewis warns compulsory regulation is needed
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Comments

  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 31,510 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped! Name Dropper
    I agree with Martin, it doesn't go far enough, only tight, independent regulation will stop them overstating their powers, and abusing their position, as they (mostly) do, on a regular basis.

    You don`t really think there all as nice and polite as the guys and gals on the telly do you ?

    If you want to see how they really behave, have a look on YouTube.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • tacpot12
    tacpot12 Posts: 9,244 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    No industry can police itself; there is too much commercial interest at stake.

    Only independent regulation will protect the public from bailiffs that are prepared to overstep the rules. There have to be tough sanctions. Individual bailiffs should be licensed in my opionion, but we need to ensure that there are safeguards for the bailiffs as well. If someone has chosen to make their career in debt recovery, it mustn't be possible for them to lose their livelihood through one or two vindicitive or unsubstantiated complaints. 
    The comments I post are my personal opinion. While I try to check everything is correct before posting, I can and do make mistakes, so always try to check official information sources before relying on my posts.
  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Posts: 22,937 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Cashback Cashier
    Northern Ireland has not had bailiffs for as long as I can remember. Enforcement is all done through the courts.

    It seems to work OK.

    I'd scrap them.
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