Luke Charters welcomes Government action on rogue bailiffs

Luke Charters, the Labour MP for York Outer, has been calling for tougher oversight of the industry and welcomed plans to introduce new regulations aimed at curbing misconduct.

He says the Government’s plans would now require all private bailiffs operating in England and Wales to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board or be employed by an accredited firm in order to obtain or renew their certification.

The plans also include the introduction of an independent complaints process for individuals facing enforcement action.

The Press reported on the member of parliament securing a Westminster Hall debate with the parliamentary under-secretary at the Ministry of Justice in February 2025.

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And later that year Mr Charters called on the Government to “get a grip on rogue bailiffs” after one of his constituents was threatened with the removal of disability equipment.

The York Outer MP called for stronger oversight of the industry by introducing his Regulation of Bailiffs (Assessment and Report) Bill in May 2025.

Luke Charters said: “I’m chuffed that, after two years of campaigning, the Government is taking action to change the law and make proper oversight of bailiffs compulsory.

“The people who shared their experiences with me have helped make this happen.”

The MP said he has worked closely with StepChange Debt Charity throughout his campaign, visiting its Leeds office and meeting individuals who have experienced mistreatment by bailiffs.

York Outer MP Luke Charters visited StepChange Debt charity in Leeds (Image: Supplied)

Mr Charters said: “Some of the people I’ve met had lost their job or become seriously ill.

“They were doing their best to get through an already difficult time, only to be left frightened in their own homes.”

The MP said he invited two men – Michael and Adam – who had shared their stories with him to Parliament.

He said: “Michael told me he was worried that bailiffs could take his little girl’s cot.

“As a dad, that really stayed with me.

“I brought him and Adam to Parliament because I wanted their experiences to be heard, and because nobody should have to go through what they did.

“Being in debt does not mean you stop deserving kindness and respect.

“Your protection should never depend on whether a bailiff chooses to accept independent scrutiny.”

The York Outer MP thanked those who shared their stories and the Government for taking action.

Mr Charters said: “To StepChange and everyone who has trusted me with their story, thank you.

“I know it isn’t easy to talk about some of the hardest moments of your life.

“Those conversations are why I took this up, and I’ll keep pushing to get these protections in place.

“You deserved better.

“I want to thank Ministers for listening and for hearing the voice of the voiceless.

“The people I’ve met deserved to be taken seriously.

“I’m grateful that this Labour Government has heard them and is doing something about it.”