The government announced today how it plans to overhaul the bailiff industry. Read more here.

By Lana Clements

The bailiff industry is to be legally overhauled by the government, which today said that for far too long there has been no protection for consumers against aggression.

Justice minister Jonathan Djanogly said the government is determined to stamp out rogue practice by reforming the industry. The consultation, announced today, will set out how ethical practice for bailiffs will be put into law.

According to Mr Djanogly, "too many people have experienced intrusive, expensive and stressful bailiff action and more often than not the public do not hold bailiffs in high regard, despite the fact most bailiffs carry out their work professionally".

The consultation proposes to safeguard children, create entry standards including how and when a bailiff can go into a property. It will also make it clear what belongings bailiffs can take from someone's home.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust (MAT), says: "We are pleased the government is looking at this area, which our clients tell us currently involves significant consumer detriment.

"As well as lying about their rights to enter a property, our clients tell us that bailiffs often charge excessive fees, exhibit threatening behaviour and ignore existing rules and codes of conduct."

Bailiffs have no right to come into your home if they have not been in before: they cannot break in. But earlier this year, the MAT found bailiffs use a number of lines to coax their way in.

They including phrases such as "Do you want your children to watch you get taken away in handcuffs?", "I'm here from the local council to carry out maintenance work", and "Please can I come in, I really need the toilet?".