We respond to Fairness Group Statement

Steps towards fairness in government debt collection welcome

_{7 May, 2019}

StepChange Debt Charity has today responded to the StepChange Debt Charity has today responded to the Fairness Group Joint Public Statement, welcoming the government’s commitment to improving government debt collection practices.

Peter Tutton, Head of Policy at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

"It is heartening to see the Government’s commitment to bringing local and national government debt collection practices in line with both industry best practice and the Government’s own fairness principles.

"StepChange knows the importance for those in financial difficulties of getting the right help and forbearance from creditors in reducing debt harm and supporting recovery from problem debt.

"Unfortunately, government debt collection practice does not always match best practice, so this commitment from Government is a significant stepping stone to matching standards of fairness we see elsewhere.

"Now this statement needs to be supported by lasting change; such as Government accepting the recommendations made last month by the House of Commons Justice Committee on introducing independent regulation of bailiffs’.

Notes to Editors

1. The Fairness Group Joint Public Statement is available via the Cabinet Office here.
2. The Justice Committee recently published their opinion on the need for regulation of the bailiff industry, which can be seen here.
3. StepChange is part of a coalition of organisations, known as Taking Control, campaigning for Bailiff Reform. More information can be found here.