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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

Charity calls for protection for debtors

05/03/2007

A new bill could make people in debt vulnerable to the abuse of power by bailiffs, a consumer advocacy group warns.

Under the proposed legislation, bailiffs would have the right to forcibly enter homes to enforce debts - a power that only certain officers currently have.

Citizens Advice has aired concerns that this extended authority could put vulnerable people with bad debt at risk and even prevent them from clearing their debt.

David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: "We are urging MPs to make sure the bill includes independent regulation to rein in the worst excesses of bailiff behaviour.

"It is vital that the bill also provides strong safeguards to ensure that forcible entry is only used as an absolute last resort, and only after the vulnerability of the debtor and their ability to make repayments have been taken into account."

An analysis of case reports by the charity reveal that 64 per cent of bailiffs have engaged in harassment or intimidation, while 40 per cent misrepresented their authority to enter a residence.

In February, it was announced that bailiffs would have to undergo a compulsory criminal record check.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according