CIVEA urges Ministry of Justice to publish review

CIVEA urges Ministry of Justice to publish review.

On the anniversary of the deadline for submissions to the Ministry of Justice Call for Evidence on enforcement agents (bailiffs), the Civil Enforcement Association has called for a report on the regulatory reforms. Russell Hamblin-Boone, chief executive of the Civil Enforcement Association, said:

“We have written to the Ministry of Justice to urge that the government publishes its response to the Call for Evidence. In the last year we have launched an independently-monitored code of practice that sets a new standard over and beyond existing regulations. This ground-breaking initiative involves a code auditor visit and review by an independent expert panel of experts in compliance, complaints handling, regulation and consumer affairs. It is essential that those who recover unpaid court fines and government debts operate to the highest standards of conduct. The Call for Evidence is an opportunity to acknowledge the success of the reforms and ensure that the use of enforcement continues to be fair and proportionate.”

In our letter to the Minister we stress that,

“Each year CIVEA members receive over 3.5 million warrants and court orders. The code is a commitment by the enforcement industry to continue driving up standards and setting a high bar for anyone who wants to join our profession. We are the primary stakeholder in the Call for Evidence and as such we urge the government to publish its response, taking into account the proactive initiatives of our members, which will set the path for future reform.”

ENDS

Notes for editors:

The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the principal trade association representing c2000 certificated civil enforcement agencies operating in England and Wales.

Enforcement agents (formerly known as bailiffs) are regulated by the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, Schedule 12 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.

The MOJ last commented on the Call for Evidence in a PQ on 22 July.

Contact: Russell Hamblin-Boone 07810 374110 for media bids.