§ Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to amend the Community Charges (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1989 to bring the controls on bailiffs enforcing the community charge into line with those applying to distress for rent; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will monitor items recovered by bailiffs in pursuit of debts owed to local authorities to ensure that items subject to hire purchase or credit sales agreements are not included in such actions; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what plans he has to ensure that before bailiffs take action to recover debts owed to local authorities from mentally or physically disabled people, or from people in hospital or with a language difficulty, they report first to the local authority concerned;
(4) what plans he has to introduce a code of practice governing the manner in which local authorities use bailiffs; and if he will make a statement;
263W(5) what steps he takes to ensure that bailiffs used by local authorities make reasonable efforts to contact debtors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyMy Department has no plans to change existing regulations on the employment of bailiffs by local authorities. We have issued a practice note to all charging authorities advising them to check the reputation, qualifications and expertise of private firms and to issue guidelines to them on procedures. I understand that the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) will shortly be incorporating this advice in a revised practice note which contains additional guidance on property and rights of entry. The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation is also preparing a code of practice for discussion amongst local authority associations and the Certified Bailiffs Association which I welcome.