February 22, 2007
The role of the bailiff is both necessary and noble. In these days of high personal debt, we need menacing bouncer-types to remind perpetual borrowers that there are limits to the never-never.
A loud knock, a foot in the door and the refusal to leave until the debt has been settled are the unmistakeable trademarks of these reverse Robin Hoods. And if you can't scrape together the funds to pay off the costs of your excesses (plus interest at a high APR) then the bailiffs will rightly avail themselves of your widescreen plasma TV and double-door fridge freezer with ice-making facility.
But Guru hears worrying news that bailiffs and other enforcement agents will be regulated more strictly under new laws announced this week.
The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill creates a national framework to regulate all enforcement agents, including bailiffs, who are not Crown employees.
In future, they will all have compulsory criminal record checks and have to hold a certificate issued by a county court judge or face a fine of up to £5,000.
Bailiffs will have to undergo rigorous training to get a certificate, including diversity awareness and handling vulnerable people. As opposed to man-handling them, presumably.
Can you imagine?:
"Sorry to barge in on you during Diwali, luv. I appreciate it's the festival of lights, and everyfink, but I'm going to have to take your mustard-oil Diyas and your fireworks. Praise be to Lakshmi. Now step aside, please."
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