Steve McCabe MP is advising his constituents to know their rights when it comes to being confronted with unreasonable bailiffs and warns that bailiffs are not permitted to visit people’s homes on Christmas Day.
Steve has made it clear that people should know their rights and not be intimidated by bailiffs who aren’t following their code of conduct.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“I’m worried that people who are trying to pay back their debts are being plunged further into debt by bailiff fees, which is why it’s really important that people know their rights. Bailiffs aren’t allowed to come to your house on Christmas Day and other bank holidays such as Good Friday. Christmas can be an expensive time of the year for many people and it is even harder for families struggling to repay debts.”
Advice for people who are faced with bailiff action:
– Bailiffs are only permitted to charge a set fee as set out by the law; £75 for writing to inform you of an enforcement notice, £235 for a home visit and £110 for removing and selling goods that were seized during the home visit
– Bailiffs enforcement fees can only be charged once regardless of the number of enforcement visits they make
– Bailiffs must usually give you at least 7 days’ notice of their first visit.
– Bailiffs are not allowed to enter your home on Christmas day, bank holidays or before 6am and after 9pm
– You do not have to allow bailiffs to enter your property on their first visit
– Bailiffs should try peaceful entry and are not allowed to use force to enter your home
– Before you pay a bailiff or allow them to gain entry, you should ask for proof of ID and a detailed breakdown of the charges
– Bailiffs are not allowed to seize items which belong to someone else, rented goods, fixtures and fittings or your clothes
Published by