Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps his Department is taking in relation to the work of the enforcement agency industry to protect people facing financial difficulties as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.
The Government’s guidance titled Working safely during COVID-19: enforcement agents (bailiffs) reiterates that enforcement agents should follow the guidance on vulnerability set out in the National Standards for Taking Control of Goods and ensure they act in accordance with all relevant legislation. This includes signposting individuals to debt advice organisations where appropriate and giving them an adequate opportunity to get assistance and advice.
The guidance also makes clear that enforcement agents should take into account impacts of Covid-19 when considering if an individual should be deemed vulnerable, including whether an individual is or has been symptomatic, self-isolating or shielding.