CIVEA responds to ECB Insight Report on state of the industry

CIVEA responds to ECB Insight Report on state of the industry.

Responding to the ECB Insight Report, CIVEA CEO, Russell Hamblin-Boone said:

"We are encouraged how our members and the ECB have been able to provide the most robust evidence ever gathered to shine a forensic light on the civil enforcement sector.

"In 2019 we were among the first to call for an independent body to lift the bonnet on our industry and investigate the true extent of any problems. We are encouraged that the vast majority of the industry is meeting high standards and treating people fairly according to the rules.

"The report gives anecdotal evidence of the most extreme examples of harmful conduct, which is concerning. But it is helpful to spot areas that need our attention, as well as confirming that in most cases (96%) the industry has embraced the new Standards and continues to act responsibly and efficiently.

“Among the most worrying data in the report is that there were four times the number of assaults against enforcement agents than complaints. There are eight assaults or threats of assault against enforcement agents every day. In an independent poll, 66% of the public agree there should be stronger legal penalties for those who are violent towards enforcement agents. We are calling for the Government to protect enforcement agents by ensuring that the police increase their support for prosecution of offenders and there is a consistent method for logging assaults on a central database.

"We are grateful to the ECB for helping us to identify bad practice. It helps us to drive up standards and drive out those who are not fit and proper to undertake the highly specialist and sensitive work of civil enforcement.”

Ends

For more information contact: Paul Suart, PLMR (07824 606513) or email civea@plmr.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

· The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the principal trade association representing civil enforcement agencies employing around 1500 certificated Enforcement Agents in England and Wales.

· CIVEA represents approximately 40 companies that make up more than 95% of the entire enforcement industry.

· CIVEA’s members work to enforce civil debt on behalf of local authorities and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) including unpaid council tax, criminal fines and unpaid penalty charge notices. Civil enforcement prevents losses to the public purse of an estimated £12 billion – a cost that taxpayers would otherwise bear.

· CIVEA members seek to secure payment from those who won’t pay, not those who can’t pay. The profession has strict safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people and to support those towards debt and welfare advice.