Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether his Department is taking steps to help raise standards in the debt enforcement sector.

The Ministry of Justice supports the creation of the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) and believes that it has the potential to raise standards in the enforcement industry. It will provide independent oversight of debt enforcement firms and make a real difference by raising standards, improving effectiveness and helping to protect vulnerable people in debt.

We remain committed to strengthening regulation of this sector and will undertake a review of the body within two years of its operation to see if any legislative changes are necessary.

The ECB plans to launch its operations in England and Wales in November 2022.