Security Industry Authority to regulate baliffs
Wednesday, April 23rd 2008
Industry proposal for alternative body dismissed by government
The government is to regulate bailiffs through the Security Industry Authority (SIA) despite opposition from the industry.
In its response to the consultation on the regulation of enforcement agents published last month, the Minister of Justice said there was "overwhelming agreement that there was a need for statutory regulation." However, it rejected the idea of creative a separate body to do this on the grounds of expense and the time it would take up.
It also rejected proposals put forward by the British Parking Association for compulsory self regulation though the creation of Bailiffs and Enforcement Agents Council (BEAC). The response paper said it was not clear who had been consulted on the option as comments on it were only received from within the industry. It said self regulation is not an acceptable option.
Lord Lucas, chairman of the Enforcement Lap Reform Group said he was disappointed that so little attention was paid to the industry`s suggestions "it was dismissed out of hand and quite unreasonable," he said. "It is a great pity because the industry`s proposals would have been a much better way to go."
Lucas said it is now down to the industry to participate in the process to try and get as good an outcome as possible. "We have yet to see any of the draft regulations and everything will depend on how they write them," He said.
Legislation to extend the SIAs remit will be laid before parliament later this year, with a commencement date in 2009.
