New powers for bailiffs proposed by ministers

22/12/2008

Bailiffs are to be allowed by new proposed government regulations to use "reasonable force" against debtors.

The private creditors would officially be permitted to pin down people whose homes they entered to recover valuables, after falling behind on card and loan bills, the Sunday Times reports.

They might also be allowed break down the door of a property if nobody answers but they see evidence that someone is in, such as a twitching curtain or the sound of a radio.

Overall regulatory power over the guidelines would be given to a newly-created watchdog.

The move has been slammed by a welfare charity.

Paul Nicolson at the Zacchaeus 2000 Trust told the newspaper: "These laws strip away tried and tested protections that make a person's home his castle and which have stood for centuries.

"They could clearly lead to violent confrontations and undermine fundamental liberties."

The newspaper obtained data on the guidelines after making freedom of information requests.

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills, Credit Card Lifestyle,

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