REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has joined MPs from across the political spectrum in urging the Prime Minister to prioritise legislation to introduce a statutory regulator for the bailiff sector, warning that vulnerable constituents continue to face unacceptable and harmful practices.
In a joint letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mr Bloore and parliamentary colleagues highlighted the lack of statutory oversight in the enforcement industry, despite the fact that bailiffs interact daily with people experiencing financial difficulty.
While welcoming recent work by the Ministry of Justice and the Government’s commitment in the Financial Inclusion Strategy, MPs stressed that urgent action is now required.
The letter draws on evidence from debt charity StepChange, which found that more than half (54 per cent) of people subject to bailiff enforcement experienced intimidating or aggressive contact, including threatening phone calls, texts or letters.
MPs also referenced serious cases raised in Parliament, including disabled people subjected to aggressive enforcement action and the wrongful removal of essential equipment.
Mr Bloore said: “For too long, vulnerable people have been left exposed to intimidating and aggressive bailiff behaviour.
“In Redditch, as elsewhere, people facing debt deserve protection, fairness and dignity – not fear.
“I am proud to have joined MPs from across parties in calling for a statutory regulator for bailiffs.
“This is a long-overdue reform that would bring the enforcement sector into line with industries such as energy and financial services, where proper regulation already exists.”
The MPs also pointed to the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) – the current voluntary oversight body for the sector – which has itself called to be placed on a statutory footing to ensure all bailiff firms and agents are held to consistent standards and subject to effective monitoring and complaints processes.
The MP added: “There is strong cross-party support, clear backing from charities and stakeholders and minimal cost to introducing statutory regulation.
“The longer we delay, the longer vulnerable constituents remain at risk. I urge the Government to bring forward the necessary legislation at the earliest possible opportunity.”
