Credit Card Debt May Result in Bailiffs Knocking On Your Door
Unpaid credit card bills could lead to more than just a late payment fee as Citizens Advice warns that bailiffs may soon be able to legally break into your home as a result of an unpaid credit card bill.
 The warning comes as plans in the tribunals, courts and enforcement bill may get through parliament, enabling bailiffs the power to enter homes forcibly to enforce more debts, including credit card bills. Unpaid parking fines could also see the bailiffs paying motorists a visit.
David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: "Our evidence over many years shows that bailiffs have an appalling track record of abusing their existing powers against vulnerable people. They are often abusive and aggressive, and use threats of violence and prison to pressurise people into paying lumps sums they cannot afford."
With Britons struggling with record levels of personal debt some consumers could soon face the real threat of prison if they obstruct the bailiffs in their attempt to enter homes.
The bill is currently going through the legislative process in he House of Commons and could soon come into effect.
Mr Harker added: "We are urging MPs to make sure the bill includes independent regulation to rein in the worst excesses of bailiff behaviour. It is vital that the bill also provides strong safeguards to ensure that forcible entry is only used as an absolute last resort, and only after the vulnerability of the debtor and their ability to make repayments have been taken into account."
Conservative MP, Henry Bellingham, feels the bill will see a return to medieval times regarding the powers of bailiffs. He said: "The bill as it stands will overturn two fundamental principals of our common law on bailiffs' power to enter private property: that bailiffs may only enter peaceably and with the permission of the debtor. Those rights are fundamental. That force may not be used to effect entry has been established in law since at least the 14 th century."
Alisdair Milton
22nd April 2007
More Information:
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