The ‘tougher’ regulations are meant to ensure people in debt are treated fairly
New measures from the UK Government will be targeting “cowboy tradesmen” and “aggressive bailiffs” in a bid to stop families from being ripped off during home renovations and ensure people who fall behind on their bills are no longer intimidated. The PM announced the new measures as part of his list of “everyday fixes” meant to ease the cost of living burden on everyday people.
Currently, more than one in four UK adults who had home improvements done in the last 18 months had problems, including projects being abandoned halfway through or overpaying for shoddy work. Over a third faced extra costs, losing an average of £750 of their hard-earned cash and adding financial stress to an already nerve-wracking situation.
The new clampdown on bailiffs and builders will start in September with a Government-supported scheme to identify trusted traders and protect people’s money during building projects with payments linked to key project milestones.
Private bailiffs in England and Wales will also be held to professional standards and people facing enforcement action will be given access to an independent complaints process so their voices can be heard in their most vulnerable moments.
Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert, speaking as Chair of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said: “Sadly, you’re over three times more likely to be in debt crisis if you have a mental health problem, one result of which is that most people who get a bailiff knocking at their door are vulnerable.
“Many bailiffs behave fairly – but some have got away with acting with impunity due to the lack of mandatory independent regulation. We’ve long campaigned for that to change, as aggressive debt collection can and does destroy lives.
“So we’re delighted the government has listened and made today’s bailiffs announcement – it’s a genuine step forward! Bailiffs will have to comply with the rules or lose their licence. And because regulation is mandatory, not opt-in, it should be easier in future to bring in faster, more ambitious, compassionate rules. Let’s hope so.”
Additionally, ministers have also confirmed longer plans to overhaul consumer protections as a whole. This will include examining the likes of Citizens Advice, Trading Standards and regulators to make the entire system faster and easier to access.
Peter Grigg, Executive Director of Partnerships and Advocacy at Citizens Advice, said: “The government’s action today paves the way for much-needed changes in sectors that are infamous for rogue behaviour.
“We know when things go wrong, people are left significantly out of pocket, living in unsafe conditions and feeling they have nowhere to turn.
“Strengthening the role of consumer protection provided by organisations like Citizens Advice and Trading Standards is vital in improving everyday experiences for so many people across the country.
“We look forward to working with the government on the review to ensure it makes a difference for the people we support every day.”
