Time To Ban Bailiffs?
For free & impartial money advice you can visit MoneyHelper. We work with The Debt Advice Service who provide information about your options. This isn’t a full fact-find, some debt solutions may not be suitable in all circumstances, ongoing fees might apply & your credit rating may be affected.
For free & impartial money advice you can visit MoneyHelper. We work with The Debt Advice Service who provide information about your options. This isn’t a full fact-find, some debt solutions may not be suitable in all circumstances, ongoing fees might apply & your credit rating may be affected.
In Birmingham a jaw-dropping 500% increase in bailiff referrals has set alarm bells ringing. As we all grapple with the cost of living crisis, should councils reconsider their heavy handed bailiff approach to retrieve money?
The BBC, made a Freedom of Information request, which uncovered 43,000 bailiff referrals within seven months in Birmingham, that’s nearly six times more than the same time the previous year!
One heart-wrenching story involves a mother forced to cough up nearly £2,000 for a clean air zone mistake. Carly Caldwell was visiting her son in the hospital. Facing bailiffs at her doorstep, she dealt with threats to seize her car if she didn’t settle over £1,000 in fees. She’d already paid £700 out. Her situation could’ve been handled differently and with more compassion.
Beyond the numbers, let’s look at how it impacts us. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, where bills soar and debt looms, bailiffs are swooping in to collect unpaid penalties, council taxes, and court fines. Steep bailiff fees catapult people further into more financial distress. Yet bailiffs profits have risen by 50%?!
Could this solution be the answer?
Chorley Council is the exception. Their approach involves supporting residents by directing vulnerable individuals to a social prescribing team. The result? An impressive 80% drop in bailiff referrals, proving that tackling the root cause early doesn’t harm council finances but, in fact, offers a more compassionate solution.
So why do some councils still heavily rely on the antiquated bailiff route? Is it a reluctance to explore alternative, more effective methods? The intimidating practice that began 400 years ago seems outdated, and intimidation shouldn’t be the driving force to settle debts.
Bailiff fees & your rights
Bailiff fees, in particular, contribute to exacerbating the situation. A letter costs £75, a home visit demands £235, and the seizure of belongings incurs an additional £110. This doesn’t even factor in the 7.5% surcharge for debts exceeding £1,500. It’s a hefty toll on those already struggling.
If you’ve received a bailiff letter knowing your rights is paramount.
They can’t:
- Force the way into your home for most debts
- Can only visit between 06:00 & 21:00
- They must not use threatening behaviour
Be informed, assert your rights, and demand ID before engaging with them. Remember you don’t have to open the door.
In the midst of the ongoing cost of living crisis, advocating for alternative methods to bailiffs is so important. Or homes should be a sanctuary, not a place of threat over what could be a mere human error.
How to handle council fine debt
If you find yourself burdened with a council fine or bill, reach out. Call the council and explain your financial situation, it could lead to an agreement for manageable repayments. The key is to take action as quickly as possible.
Organisations like StepChange, Citizens Advice, and MoneyHelper are also valuable resources if you’re struggling financially.
