Vulnerable could be at increased risk of abuse of power by bailiffs
Many people could find themselves at increased risk of abuse of powers from bailiffs according to the Citizen's Advice Bureau. A recent new bill, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill, could see bailiffs receiving far greater powers, and this could leave many vulnerable people open to abuse according to CAB officials. The new powers will enable bailiffs to force entry into the homes of those that have not met their financial commitments on debts such as credit cards and loans.
According to the Chief Executive of the Citizen's Advice Bureau: 'Our evidence over many years shows that bailiffs have an appalling track record of abusing their existing powers against vulnerable people. They are often abusive and aggressive, and use threats of violence and prison to pressurise people into paying lump sums they cannot afford.' He also said: 'We are urging MPs to make sure the Bill includes independent regulation to rein in the worst excesses of bailiff behaviour. It is vital that the Bill also provides strong safeguards to ensure that forcible entry is only used as an absolute last resort, and only after the vulnerability of the debtor and their ability to make repayments have been taken into account.'
At present the power that bailiffs have are limited, but this new bill could see them receiving greater power that enables them to do things such as force entry, and for more vulnerable people and those that are already struggling financially, this could spell real trouble. The CAB wants independent regulation of bailiffs to be enforced by the government, and states that forced entry should only be used as a last resort measure, and not with those that are more vulnerable. The CAB also wants the ability of the borrower to make repayments to be taken into account before any forced entry is allowed.
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