Taking Control Response to the Ministry of Justice’s Call for Evidence on Bailiffs
18 February 2019
Our call for evidence response to the Ministry of Justice which calls for the regulation of the bailiff industry
Debt and money policy research
The rules of enforcement: making a complaint about the behaviour of bailiffs in a self-regulated system
09 January 2019
Making a complaint about a bailiff is difficult and ineffective. People saw bailiffs break the rules 850,000 time in the last two years but only 56 bailiffs have been held to account at court since 2014. There needs to be an independent regulator supported by an independent complaints mechanism to oversee the sector.
A law unto themselves: How bailiffs are breaking the rules
13 November 2018
We wanted to understand how common poor practice in the bailiff industry was. Our polling found that 850,000 people have seen bailiffs break the rules in the past two years.
Hidden Debts: The growing problem of being behind on bills and in debt to the government
21 August 2018
Despite rapid growth, a large stock of hidden debt - money owed to government and essential service providers has often been ignored.
Rent to Return? The need for consumer protection in the rent-to-own market
26 March 2018
Our new research finds that a cap on interest and charges associated with rent-to-own products could save consumers up to £62 million on 245,000 goods. The FCA should act now to stop high interest and expensive charges on rent-to-own products.
Doorway to Debt
19 March 2018
Our new research shows that extending the same rules that cover payday loans to doorstep lending could help prevent customers getting into problem debt.
Walking on Thin Ice: The cost of financial insecurity
22 February 2018
New research shows that people's finances are increasingly vulnerable to changes in income and unexpected expenses. We're calling for new measures to help people build greater financial stability.
Breathing Space Consultation Response
23 February 2018
We recently responded to the Treasury’s Call for Evidence on the introduction of a breathing space and statutory debt management plans for people in debt.
Uninvited credit limit increases push people further into debt
17 November 2017
New research shows three quarters of credit limit increases are uninvited. Lenders are pushing people into debt.
Universal Credit and debt
11 September 2017
Our evidence shows that the roll out of universal credit has an adverse impact on debt problems. DWP should pause roll out to fix the problems we have identified. Our analysis shows Universal Credit is pushing people further into debt. The Government needs to pause Universal Credit roll-out and fix the problems now.
Stuck in Debt
30 August 2017
2.9 million households are in problem debt and half of them are still stuck a year later. Why do people get stuck in problem debt and how can we help them out of it?
Taking Control: the need for fundamental bailiff reform
17 March 2017
Using evidence from Citizens Advice and 6 other charities. This report calls for reform to bailiff regulation.
Getting the basics right
27 February 2017
The Government has taken action to ensure that basic bank accounts are available to everyone who needs them. Our research shows that whilst access to basic accounts has improved, further action is needed.
Debt on your doorstep
15 February 2017
Doorstep loans can cause real problems for some borrowers. We look into the doorstep lending market and highlight some of the issues we've seen.
Hire purchase: Higher prices Problem debt in the rent to own market
29 November 2016
This reports focusses on the rent to own market, looking at why it is leading to more debt problems for consumers.
Banking with benefits: exploring the need for basic banking
07 September 2016
Research exploring the banking needs of POCA holders, how they use their accounts and support needed to manage money under Universal Credit.
Payday loans after the cap: are consumers getting a better deal?
30 August 2016
We look at what it’s like to take out a payday loan after the cap and find that many firms are still lending irresponsibly leading borrowers into financial difficulty.
A debt effect?
08 August 2016
Unmanageable debt has an impact on people’s lives beyond financial strain. It is closely related to poor mental health and can affect people’s attitudes, outlook, and behaviour.
Catching up - improving council tax arrears collection
08 July 2016
New research looking at the impact of council tax collection practices on Citizens Advice clients in England, and steps councils can take to improve things.
Public Financial Guidance Review: Proposal for consideration - Citizens Advice response
08 June 2016
Citizens Advice response to the consultation on public financial guidance.