Prime Minister Andy Burnham has initiated a series of measures targeting what he characterizes as unfair practices in the debt collection and home improvement industries. The government announced that private bailiffs operating in England and Wales will be required to obtain accreditation from the Enforcement Conduct Board or work for an accredited company to maintain their operating certificates. This regulatory shift aims to address longstanding concerns about aggressive enforcement tactics and overcharging of vulnerable individuals.
The crackdown responds to documented complaints about bailiff conduct, including intimidating behavior at residences, excessive fees, and threats to seize protected possessions. According to government figures, approximately 7 million cases are referred to bailiff enforcement annually, generating over £1 billion in collections. Currently, not all enforcement companies choose to register with industry regulators, leaving gaps in oversight. Court and Legal Services Minister Sarah Sackman emphasized that debtors facing enforcement should be protected from intimidating conduct and unreasonable repayment demands.
Simultaneously, the government is addressing concerns about home improvement contractors through a voluntary accreditation scheme. Businesses participating in the “Approved Code” initiative, developed by the furniture and home improvement ombudsman, will demonstrate compliance with elevated professional standards. This program is expected to launch with initial participants by late September and achieve full implementation by December.
Complementing the builders initiative is a new payment protection service called Trusted Payments, designed to launch within the coming week. The platform enables homeowners to retain control over project payments by releasing funds incrementally as construction milestones are completed, modeled after tenant deposit protection arrangements. These measures represent the latest installment in what officials describe as a broader effort to address cost-of-living pressures and enhance consumer protections across various sectors.
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