Enforcement sector signposts thousands of people in debt to advice via online support hub

Enforcement sector signposts thousands of people in debt to advice via online support hub.

Enforcement agents signposted thousands of people in financial difficulty to specialist advice through an online support hub within the first year of its launch.

The CIVEA-NSN Support Hub was set up by the National Support Network (NSN), in partnership with the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA), to help people access vital services, from debt advice to mental health and housing support. The webpage was visited more than 20,000 times and facilitated nearly 8,000 referrals to specialist support in the 12 months after it launched in March 2025.

It has enabled enforcement agents who are members of CIVEA, the principal trade association for civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales, to refer individuals directly to the hub where they can access a range of tailored support according to their needs, helping to turn enforcement visits into opportunities for meaningful intervention.

More than 17,000 visits to the webpage involved money matters. More than 5,000 views related to health and housing, and in excess of 1,000 visits were linked to family matters and further support.

In terms of specialist support, close to 6,000 views were related to help with council tax with nearly 4,000 views on enforcement and collections, 2,500 on financial support, nearly 300 on debt advice and just under 250 for gas and electricity bills.

The UK Government was the top referrer, with 1,400 people going on to seek support from public bodies, while Citizens Advice accounted for 930 referrals. Nearly 800 people went on to visit National Debt Line, 635 to Taxaid and 534 to MoneyHelper.

Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of CIVEA, said: “The hub was set up by the National Support Network, in close partnership with CIVEA, to offer people in need of financial and emotional support the tools they need to access appropriate help from specialists in the field.

“Enforcement agents are often the first people to identify a vulnerable person’s circumstance and refer them for welfare support. We would rather be in a position where no one requires this type of help but, sadly, the reality is that many people do find themselves in financial distress which can then impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

“We’re pleased to see the hub is making a genuine difference for people in this situation. It’s not just changing how enforcement is delivered, it’s changing lives.

“We are extremely proud to know the hub has paved the way for thousands of service referrals in its first year alone. Our members have really embraced the partnership and I know that signposting people to specialist help is something they have found incredibly powerful and rewarding.”

In a survey of people who viewed the hub with enforcement and collection queries or mental health concerns, respondents said the results were helpful and had helped them to gain awareness, making them feel less stressed and more resilient.

Cat Divers, CEO of the National Support Network, said: “Through our partnership with CIVEA, we’ve seen over 20,000 visits and nearly 8,000 referrals into support services, highlighting both the scale of need and the value of providing a single, trusted place for people to access help across money, health, housing and family challenges.

“The CIVEA Support Hub enables members to go beyond enforcement, offering a practical and compassionate way to support customers by connecting them to trusted help, from debt advice and council tax support through to wellbeing and crisis services, all in one place.

“As pressures continue to evolve, from the cost-of-living crisis to global events such as the conflict in the Middle East, the Hub ensures CIVEA members can respond with relevant, up-to-date support, helping people feel more informed, less stressed and better able to navigate difficult circumstances.”

To find out more or to access support, visit: Make it easy to find help fast - National Support Network

To find out more about CIVEA visit: The Civil Enforcement Association | CIVEA

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 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.

· High Court Enforcement Officers and certificated enforcement agents are eligible to be members of CIVEA. Authorised by the High Court, HCEOs can seize goods for debts over £600. Certificated enforcement agents are authorised by courts to collect debts like council tax, parking fines and commercial rent, often acting under a liability order.

· County court officers are court-employed agents who act on a warrant of control to seize and sell goods for County Court Judgments (CCJs). · Enforcement is a significant sector in England and Wales. As reported by the ECB Insight Report (2026), The industry received almost 3.7 million cases for enforcement between 1 January – 30 June 2025, with a total debt value of £2.2 billion. Civil enforcement prevents losses to the public purse of an estimated £12 billion a year – 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.