Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2009.

Bailiffs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the answers by Lord Bach on 21 January (Official Report, House of Lords, cols. 1670–72), whether the draft bailiff regulations will include provision specifically protecting vulnerable and impoverished debtors and, if not, whether they will as a priority include such provisions.

Answer: Powers contained within Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 allow regulations to make further provisions about taking control of goods which could encompass vulnerability and impoverishment. However, vulnerability and impoverishment are difficult to define and occur across a wide spectrum. The regulations will seek to ensure that nobody suffers disproportionate enforcement and this will include the vulnerable and impoverished. Furthermore, it is intended that a major consultation exercise will be undertaken that will include a consultation paper setting out the draft regulations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 707 c215WA; 1030
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Bailiffs
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Oral questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Debt collection Protection
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk