Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched initiatives targeting what he characterizes as unethical practices in two sectors affecting cost of living pressures. The announcements represent the latest in a series of government “everyday fixes” aimed at making the country fairer and more affordable for residents.
The first measure focuses on strengthening oversight of the bailiff industry in England and Wales. Currently, enforcement companies are not required to obtain authorization from the Enforcement Conduct Board, allowing some to operate without formal regulation. Under the new framework, all private bailiffs will need accreditation from the ECB or must work for an accredited enforcement company to obtain or renew required certificates. The government stated that bailiffs will be held to consistent professional standards and those facing enforcement action will have access to an independent complaints process.
The changes address long-standing concerns about aggressive collection tactics and excessive fees. Consumer advocates have documented cases involving intimidating doorstep behavior, overcharging, inappropriate vehicle clamping involving disabled people, and threats to seize items legally protected from collection. The sector currently handles more than 7 million cases annually and collects over £1 billion yearly, predominantly from unpaid parking and traffic fines and council tax arrears. Government officials noted that vulnerable people in debt situations should not face intimidating treatment or unreasonable repayment demands.
The second initiative targets problematic practices in the home improvement and building trades. Beginning next month, an “Approved Code” scheme developed with the furniture and home improvement ombudsman will allow vetted builders and traders to demonstrate they meet elevated standards. The scheme is scheduled to launch with initial businesses by the end of September and reach full implementation by December.
A complementary service called Trusted Payments is set to launch next week, enabling consumers to protect funds during building projects through staged payments tied to project milestones—modeled after tenant deposit protection arrangements. These measures come after the government had previously announced intentions to mandate independent regulation of bailiffs in June 2025, though implementation has faced delays.
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