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Politics Bailiffs to be allowed to use 'reasonable force' against homeowners Bailiffs will be able to use "reasonable force" against householders attempting to protect their valuables, under new rules being drawn up by ministers. By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor Last Updated: 6:12PM GMT 21 Dec 2008 The Government may increase the powers of debt collectors despite concerns that the industry is poorly controlled. The new rules, allowable under legislation already passed by Parliament but not yet enacted, would give bailiffs the right to restrain or pin down householders. Bailiffs are expecting a big increase in business over the next year as tens of thousands of Britons experience financial problems during the forthcoming recession. The Council of Mortgage Lenders has forecast that 75,000 homes will be repossessed next year and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be pursued for unpaid debts. Ministers are now consulting on whether to increase the range of powers available to bailiffs under the law. They are currently only able to use force in self defence. The circumstances under which bailiffs can break into people's homes may also be widened. At the moment, guidelines only allow homes being broken into when the owner is suspected of being inside. The Government insists that any new powers would be overseen by an industry watchdog. Bailiffs would also be barred from searching people's pockets or forcibly removing jewellery. However, welfare charities yesterday attacked the plans. Paul Nicolson, chairman of the Zacchaueus 2000 Trust said: "These laws strip away tried and tested protections that make a person's home his castle, and which have stood for centuries. They could clearly lead to violent confrontations and undermine fundamental liberties." A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 makes a number of important reforms to bailiff law that will do away with archaic and complex legislation. This will help debtors, creditors, bailiffs and the police understand what their rights and responsibilities are when debts have to be enforced. These reforms are part of a package of measures that will address concerns that have been raised about the behaviour of bailiffs. "The options for implementing the enforcement provisions within the Act are, at present, being considered and an announcement will be made in due course."
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