Body cameras to become compulsory for bailiffs

What does this mean for your business?

The move follows consultations with the public and the industry on how to improve standards and better protect vulnerable consumers.

Other measures to be introduced include a 60-day ‘breathing space’ for consumers struggling with personal debt during which creditors are not able to demand payments and the individuals must seek professional advice.

Justice Minister Paul Maynard said: “The use of intimidation and aggression by some bailiffs is utterly unacceptable, and it is right we do all we can to tackle such behaviour.

“While most bailiffs act above board, body-worn cameras will provide greater security for all involved – not least consumers who are often vulnerable. We are looking carefully at other measures to improve the system and will not hesitate to take action where necessary.”

A further response including an improved complaints system and further investigation of a fully independent regulation system as pushed for by campaigners will be published later in the year.

High Court enforcement officers will be among those who wear the cameras but County Court bailiffs will be exempt.

The Civil Enforcement Association, which represents bailiffs, said: “This decision offers reassurance to the public that standards are consistently high and gives protection to our agents who do a difficult job on behalf of local authorities.”

Citizens Advice is one of the organisations calling for wider protections for consumers including a fully independent regulator arguing that “body cameras will do nothing to protect people while there’s no industry regulator to oversee how they’re used.”

Watching them watching you

They are all often referred to as bailiffs but there’s differences between enforcement officers and High Court enforcement officers.

What is definite is that if you’re contacted by them, you need to come up with a workable solution and fast.

Bailiffs can legally remove assets that can be sold to pay off any outstanding debts you owe. These can include cash, cheques, stock, office equipment, machinery or any other assets owned by the company. They can also come back if the amount is insufficient.

This is where we can help you right now.