Repossessions & Credit Card Payments

Bailiffs are to be given new powers which will allow them to enter homes and take the owners goods if they have fallen behind on credit card repayments.

Despite being condemned by consumer action groups, including Citizens Advice, the government has tabled amendments to the tribunals, courts and enforcements bill which will give bailiffs the power to force entry into the home of a consumer who has fallen victim to credit debt, including credit cards - without a court order.

High credit limits have helped to raise the national personal debt level to £1.3 trillion in the UK, much of which has been lent on credit cards.

Citizens Advice has warned that if the proposals are approved, a large number of 'rogue enforcers' will appear and force intimidation, harassment and excessive fee-charging on some of the most vulnerable members of society.

David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, commented: "This bill should have been the perfect opportunity to modernise the law and end abuse once and for all.

"Instead it gives bailiffs greater powers without any proper regulation - a recipe for abuse on an unprecedented scale. It is a scandal and a disgrace that six years after the government made a commitment to bring in regulation, the misery and abuse continues."

Mr Harker also said that consumer action groups, including Citizens Advice, were urging the government to introduce safeguards into the bill to ensure that forced entry and repossession are treated as a last resort.

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