Citizens Advice responds to the Ministry of Justice’s updated National Standards on bailiff reform

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at national charity Citizens Advice said:

"These National Standards have been around for years. Justice Minister, Jonathan Djanogly is right to renew efforts to bring bad practice among bailiffs to account. But the new rules won’t offer any more protection unless  there’s an independent regulator with the power to control bailiff conduct and ensure fairness for people in financial difficulties. The Government must now keep the momentum going."

Notes to editors

1. Anyone in debt should get free advice from their Citizens Advice Bureaux as quickly as possible on how to sort out debts.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
4. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
5. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
6. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.