MOJ announcement on Fees and Regulatory Reform

MOJ announcement on Fees and Regulatory Reform.

Responding to the Justice Secretary’s announcement that the enforcement fee is to be uplifted and further reforms implemented, Russell Hamblin-Boone, Chief Executive of the Civil Enforcement Association said:

“This is the first time in 12 years that enforcement fees have been reviewed. While it does not reflect the huge amount our industry has invested in leading edge technology, it does help us to continue to responsibly recover over £1 billion pounds a year from those who seek to evade payment of taxes and fines, while supporting vulnerable people who struggle to pay. The money recovered on behalf of our councils is vital in providing the essential public services we all benefit from, such as libraries, swimming pools, parks, schools, community halls and leisure centres.”

“Our industry established and funded the Enforcement Conduct Board, which since 1 January has provided independent oversight of our work and adjudication of complaints. We do not oppose statutory regulation, but there is not yet sufficient evidence of its effectiveness so it is too early to make a decision on its legislative status.

“We will continue our work with the government to lead reform and we hope to see a inflation-based review mechanism to ensure that the statutory fees are revised on a regular basis in future."

ENDS

Relevant links:

• Ministry of Justice: https://questions-statements.p...

For more information contact:

Tim Miller: civea@plmr.co.uk / 01473 326400

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.