In response to the Financial Ombudsman Service’s quarterly update on debt collection figures, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “While concerning, these figures show the steps that can be taken to address problems in a regulated sector.
“But when people have household bill debts pursued by bailiffs, for example council tax or energy, they lack the same level of protection. Bailiffs are breaking rules designed to protect those who’re struggling and this causes stress, anxiety and further financial harm.
“The Ministry of Justice have the evidence in front of them to establish a bailiff regulator. It now needs to follow through. An independent complaints process must also be introduced, like in the financial services sector, so bailiff complaints can be reviewed independently of the industry.”
Since 2014, it has been more common for people to come to Citizens Advice for help with household bill debts — such as council tax — than with problems related to consumer credit debts.
Citizens Advice figures show bailiffs broke rules designed to help people who’re struggling, 850,000 times in the past two years.
The lack of an effective complaints system means bailiffs are not held to account. Its analysis of YouGov polling also shows that 72% of people who experience a bailiff breaking the rules do not complain at all because:
- It is unclear how to make a complaint
- The pressure of bailiff enforcement action puts people off complaining
- There is a lack of faith in the process
Figures obtained by Citizens Advice from the Ministry of Justice also show just 56 complaints were made through a court-based process introduced as part of the bailiff reforms in 2014.
If you’d like some support please call the Citizens Adviceline telephone number, which is 03004 568369.
Citizens Advice Bassetlaw can also offer advice at their drop-in sessions.
Worksop Office at The Annexe, Queens Building, Potter Street, Worksop (next to the Savoy Cinema) available:
- Monday — 9.30am to 3.00pm
- Wednesday — 9.30am to 3.00pm
- Friday — 9.30am to 1.00pm
Or at the Retford office at 17b The Square, Retford, it is available:
- Tuesday — 10.00am to 2.00pm
- Thursday — 10.00am to 2.00pm