Having browed around a bit and found the following Quote it just goes to sho as of 06/04/2014 bailiffs MUST now apply to gain a forced entry, this we have known for years, now it's in writing the bailiff will no longer be able to "threaten" forced entry but MUST have permission first see the quote below this quote was taken from here

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bailiffs-getting-ready-for-tough-new-regime

From my understanding the Bailiff will not have the power to force entry and should now not "threaten" the use of a locksmith, how many more complaints will come if they do and if the do what recourse will the debtor have, what with the "stress" of the threat causing mental harm, the words "bully" come to mind and if I remember my law correctly it is ILLEGAL to bully someone or make words spoken or action taken if it causes harm,alarm or distress to ANYONE that witnesses this? you thoughts please again sorry for the long post , if you follow my train of thought you will see where I am going with this? Please read my other post to start to see the whole picture on this matter it is here http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?416534-Vulnerable-household-vs.-Vulnerable-adult(1-Viewing)-nbsp further reading that is a must with this post can be found here courtesy of tomtubby

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?414547-The-Taking-Control-of-Goods-(Fees)-Regulations-2014-released-today.(1-Viewing)-nbsp

and

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?412530-Council-Tax-arrears...should-you-let-a-bailiff-into-your-home

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News story

Bailiffs getting ready for tough new regime

Organisation:Ministry of Justice

Page history:Published 29 January 2014

Bailiffs and councils must make sure debts are collected in a fair and responsible way, Justice Minister Lord Faulks said today.

Speaking just weeks before new laws on rogue bailiff behaviour take effect, Lord Faulks addressed the Civil Enforcement Association conference in London today, speaking to an audience of more than 300 representatives of local authorities and bailiffs companies.

Major reforms to the rules for bailiffs will take effect in April, banning them from heavy-handed behaviour but also making sure they can still collect debts fairly.

Lord Faulks told the audience they would be key to ensuring that the people of England and Wales have the fair and effective enforcement system they deserved – and urged them to rise to the challenge.

Speaking after the conference, Lord Faulks said:

‘There are some very good, reputable bailiffs around, but we know there is bad practice out there that needs to be dealt with.

‘A small minority of bailiffs have been allowed to give the industry a bad name.

‘These laws will help to clean up the industry and ensure bailiffs play by the rules. They will also make sure businesses and public bodies can collect their debts fairly.’

The changes will put in place new mandatory training and certification requirements for bailiffs, and simplify the fees that they are allowed to charge for their services.

They will also impose rules on how and when bailiffs can pursue debts, including:

• Stopping bailiffs entering homes when only children are present.
  
• Banning bailiffs from visiting debtors at night – they will only be allowed to enter between 6am and 9pm.
  
• Banning landlords from using bailiffs to seize property for residential rent arrears without going to court.
  
• Preventing bailiffs from taking household items, such as a cooker, microwave, refrigerator or washing machine, because they are deemed to be reasonably required to satisfy the basic domestic needs of the debtor.
  
• Ensuring a notice period of seven days is given to the debtor before bailiffs take control of the debtor’s goods.
  
• Banning bailiffs from selling goods removed from a debtor, unless seven days have passed from the date the goods were removed.
  
• Making bailiffs responsible for proving to a court that there are, or likely to be, goods of the debtor on the premises before being granted the power to use reasonable force to gain entry.
  

Before a warrant is granted, bailiffs must give the court information on the likely means of entry, the amount of force required and how the premises will be left in a secure state afterwards.

So all in all the best advise anyone will give is as follows, especially when these new rules come in to force from 06/04/2014 is as follows.

1. If you miss just one payment ring the creditor

2. If you miss just one fine payment call the Fines department of your local Court.

3. If you do call any creditor make sure you record the conversation.

4. Always insist you deal with your creditors in writing only.

5. A DCA is NOT a bailiff and as such has no powers.

6. Check out your credit file monthly from now on so you can see all adverse entries and deal with them straight away

7. Never let a bailiff into your home because it will cost you in the long run.

8 If you are on benefits now is the best time to run the "benefits Advisor widget" to see if you are getting all you are entitled too.

9. Claim those that you are allowed to, and always inform the relevant claims departments of ANY changes to your circumstances, as these rule are now being applied.

MM