Mental health guidelines needed for bailiffs

There have been growing calls to reform the standards for bailiffs, according to new research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI).

The study reveals that nearly 75% of individuals with council tax arrears who have interacted with a bailiff are dealing with mental health issues.

Surprisingly, not all bailiffs recognise those with mental health challenges as vulnerable individuals.

Bailiff guidelines

The standards for bailiffs are decided by the enforcement conduct board (ECB), which hasn’t updated its guidelines in over ten years.

Unlike other regulatory agencies, the ECB lacks legal backing and only relies on voluntary support to keep up standards.

The current guidelines do not classify individuals with mental health concerns as a separate vulnerable group.

This means that only a few enforcement companies recognise these difficulties.

Since bailiffs must adhere to additional rules for vulnerable individuals, there’s a chance that others may be left exposed to distress or harm.

Better standards needed

The MMHPI’s findings highlight that bailiff actions can lead to significant distress, resulting in fear, isolation, anxiety and shame due to privacy invasion, excessive fees, or aggressive behaviour.

This is why the MMHPI advocates for better standards that explicitly include those with mental health problems as a vulnerable group.

Their recommendations also include:

• mandatory mental health training for all bailiffs
• early identification of mental health issues for those in debt
• development of vulnerability policies in collaboration with the debt advice sector and people with lived experiences
• warm referrals for support for those identifying with mental health issues

What should I do if bailiffs contact me?

If a bailiff has contacted you, you might need free debt advice. It’s one of the main reasons why people ask us for help. 

We can help you understand your rights and find a suitable solution to get on top of your debts (some are free, there’s a fee for others).