New laws could put debtors in England and Wales at greater risk from unscrupulous bailiffs according to a report on news.bbc.co.uk (5.3.07). It is believed all bailiffs could be granted powers to break into people's homes which will lead to abuse of the system on "unprecedented" scale. The changes are part of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill which is receiving its second reading in the House of Commons which the government says they will simplify the laws governing bailiffs and will help protect vulnerable people.

At the moment, only certain enforcement offices, such as those dealing with magistrates' court fines, have the right to force entry into people's homes but it is believed the new bill will allow bailiffs to do so over debts such as those on credit cards.

Those against the bill say forced entry should be a last resort which should not be used if the debtor is a vulnerable person and that power should be restricted to where non-payment of a bill is the result of willful or culpable neglect. Demands are being made for independent regulation of bailiffs to be included in the legislation as it is believed intimidation, harassment and excessive fee-charging by bailiffs are already commonplace

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Artilce referenced from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6418289.stm