Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to regulate the actions of bailiffs and debt collectors on people facing financial hardship as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

My department is working with the enforcement agent (bailiff) industry to ensure that enforcement agents are taking a flexible and sympathetic approach to people facing financial hardship as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. In addition, we have instructed enforcement agents (bailiffs) to follow the government guidance regarding working practices and contact with others, including social distancing measures.

Debt collection firms are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the FCA). I understand that they are reminding firms of their existing responsibilities to offer forbearance to those facing financial hardship. The FCA have recently confirmed a package of temporary measures to provide temporary relief to those facing payment difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic.