§ Lord Turnbergasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made on the Green Paper Towards Effective Enforcement—A single piece of bailiff law and regulatory structure for enforcement. [HL4195]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalI am pleased to announce the publication of (a) the post-consultation report for the Green PaperTowards Effective Enforcement—A single piece of bailiff law and regulatory structure for enforcement, and (b) the summary of responses following the consultation paper on distress for rent procedures
The Green Paper, published on 9 July 2001, invited comments on the structure for the regulation of enforcement services, a single piece of bailiff law, fees, information and data sharing and a partial regulatory impact assessment. The 84 respondents came from a wide variety of groups concerned with enforcement, including local authorities, public interest groups and enforcement agents. Consultation showed overwhelming support for most of the proposals in the Green Paper. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Delivery will require a legislative opportunity. We intend to publish a White Paper early next year bringing together proposals on both civil enforcement (including regulation of all enforcement agents) and distress for rent.
I launched the publication National Standards for Enforcement Agents today. The National Standards indentifies duties and responsibilities which creditors and their enforcement agents share. It has been warmly welcomed and endorsed by the enforcement profession. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.