New Developments in Civil Law Enforcement

During a podcast interview, Russell Hamlin Boone, CEO of the Civil Law Enforcement Association, discussed the latest developments in the enforcement world, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. One major development is the establishment of the Enforcement Conduct Board as an independent oversight body, which aims to provide a more independent voice for the industry based on evidence. The use of technology has also transformed the enforcement sector, allowing for better communication and understanding of individuals’ circumstances. Additionally, the podcast highlighted the recent review of rules around enforcement and debt collection within the local authority sector, which did not result in substantial regulatory changes.

Key Points:

• Enforcement firms have undergone a reform program to improve industry practices, including the introduction of an independent code of practice and an independent complaints adjudication panel.
• The establishment of the Enforcement Conduct Board has provided independent oversight of the industry, ensuring fair and reasonable practices.
• The industry faces challenges balancing detailed rules-based regulation with the need to exercise forbearance, especially for vulnerable individuals.
• The government’s response to a review of council tax collection did not result in significant regulatory changes, highlighting the difficulty of reforming the current system.
• The industry has voluntarily introduced a pre-compliance stage to engage with individuals before enforcement action, aiming to better understand their circumstances and find appropriate solutions.

Key Statistics:

• Council tax cases account for approximately 28% of civil enforcement work, while 60% involves penalty charge notices for traffic and parking offenses.

Key Takeaways:

• The enforcement industry has experienced significant developments, including the establishment of an independent oversight body and the adoption of technology to improve practices.
• Reforms in the council tax collection system have been limited, with a missed opportunity for substantial change.
• The industry is focused on understanding individuals’ circumstances and finding the most appropriate solutions, while also considering the obligation to recover funds for taxpayers.
• The use of body-worn cameras has been implemented to ensure transparency and maintain high standards of conduct during enforcement actions.
• The pandemic has highlighted the need for flexibility in enforcement practices, particularly when it comes to vulnerable individuals and their ability to pay debts.