CIVEA welcomes new Standards on Vulnerability

CIVEA welcomes new Standards on Vulnerability.

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

“The new Standards are the latest step in a programme of reform that has been driven by the industry. It is important that we have a set of dedicated industry Standards that recognise the distinct nature of enforcement work, which is unlike any other form of debt collection. As the ECB makes clear indicators of vulnerability do not mean that someone is permanently unable to repay their debt or that an enforcement action cannot proceed. We are, therefore, supportive of the new Standards that codify and build on the best practices of our sector under the independent scrutiny of the ECB.”

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.