The government will shield people in debt from intimidation by making body cameras a requirement for bailiffs.
But experts say the introduction of cameras in England and Wales – which Westminster has given no time scale for – will “do nothing to protect people”.
In the announcement, the government said there were concerns that some bailiffs used tactics that put both themselves and vulnerable consumers at risk.
In what they called “decisive” action, ministers hope body cameras on bailiffs will ensure that debt is collected in a fair and safe manner, promising to hold those who flouted the rules to account.
No one should be faced with aggressive tactics when facing crippling debt.
We’re going to make body-worn cameras compulsory for private bailiffs to:
* protect those in debt
* act as a deterrent for bad practice
* ensure complaints can be investigated properly
#BailiffReform pic.twitter.com/Ga8gKv1d5m— Ministry of Justice (@MoJGovUK) July 22, 2019
Earlier this year the Taking Control campaign, launched in 2017 by a group of 11 organisations including Citizens Advice, the Money & Mental Health Policy Institute and The Children’s Society, called for an independent regulator to be set up.