New Laws putting Debtors at Risk

New laws will put debtors in England and Wales at greater risk from unscrupulous bailiffs, a consumer advice charity is warning.

The Citizens Advice service says all bailiffs could be granted powers to break into people's homes.

The charity says changes in the law will lead to abuse of the system on an "unprecedented" scale.

The government says they will simplify the laws governing bailiffs, and will help protect vulnerable people.

The changes are part of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill, which is receiving its second reading in the House of Commons.

Currently, only certain enforcement officers, such as those dealing with magistrates' court fines, have the right to force entry into people's homes.

But the Citizens Advice service says the bill will allow bailiffs to do so over debts such as those on credit cards.

The charity wants the bill to say forced entry should be a last resort which should not be used if the debtor is a vulnerable person.

It also wants it that the power should only be executed where non-payment of a bill is the result of wilful or culpable neglect.

Taken from BBC News BBC NEWS | UK | Law change 'puts debtors at risk'