CIVEA statement on the Government’s announcement on accreditation of civil enforcement

CIVEA statement on the Government’s announcement on accreditation of civil enforcement.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, CEO of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), said:

“This is a welcome step by the Government and is supported by our members. We have been calling for a level-playing field in which all enforcement agents must be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) as part of the certification process. It’s only right that all agents should be subject to the same oversight.

“We have already seen the evidence that ECB-accredited firms are 94% compliant with Government Standards, which speaks to the existing commitment of CIVEA members to independent oversight. We will continue to work closely with the Government to further enhance standards and protections for the public."

ENDS

27th August 2026

For more information contact:

Tim Miller: civea@plmr.co.uk / 07927 515604

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 is partnered with the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), which provides independent oversight of the enforcement industry.
• 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.