Bailiff Conduct Campaign

This campaign seeks to raise awareness of the problems experienced by CALC clients as a result of bailiff action. Telephone Advice Session Supervisor Terry Devine who noted an increase in poor conduct and harassment initially raised these problems in June 2009. In particular, concerns were raised about 3 bailiff companies:

• Rossendales;
• Bristol & Sutor;
• Phillips.
   

To monitor the situation and to see if there were any patterns evident in the bailiff’s behaviour it was decided to ask advisers to collect evidence from any client who had a complaint about these bailiffs.

In the June 2009 issue of the Social Policy Bulletin it was announced that Citizens Advice was to join with the Local Government Association (LGA) to launch a new protocol aimed at improving practices around the collection of council tax arrears. The protocol recommends local authorities and advice agencies meeting quarterly at officer level, and annually with elected members. The protocol offers practical steps designed to stop people getting into arrears in the first place, as well as providing advice on procedures for ensuring that bailiffs act within existing law and guidelines.

The document is to be launched on 1st July 2009 at the LGA annual conference, with a joint signing between Citizens Advice’s Chief Executive, David Harker and Chair of the LGA, Cllr Margaret Eaton. The joint launch reflects the emphasis both organisations place on partnership work between local authorities and advice agencies in ensuring that vulnerable people are identified and quality debt advice is available to those in financial difficulties.

For more information contact:

Mrs Amanda Leadbeater
Tel: 01332 228724,
Email: amanda.leadbeater@citizensadviceandlawcentre.org