Bailiffs having a 'devastating' effect on debtors

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2006

Tactics used by bailiffs only drive the vulnerable further into debt, according to financial charity the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Private bailiffs used to collect unpaid council tax are having a negative effect on those trying to get out of debt, according to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

Many private bailiffs intimidate and harass people and charge excessive fees which can drive many further into financial difficulties.

CAB is launching a campaign to curb the practices of such bailiffs and ensure fairer and more compassionate tactics are used.

David Harker, chief executive of CAB, said: "It is a scandal and a disgrace that six years after the publication of the government's own review there has been so little action taken, and the misery and abuse continues.

"Reports from clients of intimidation, unreasonable demands and excessive charges by bailiffs are commonplace."

Those who are already vulnerable are being driven further into poverty and debt by the practices of these bailiffs, Mr Harker added.

CAB is calling on the government to include the regulation of bailiff practices in its new draft bill.

The financial charity has documented cases in which bailiffs have taken items worth far more than the debtor owes, as well as taking items not owned by the debtor.