IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Martin Lewis & charity welcomes government consultation on independent bailiff regulation

9 June 2025

Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert) and his charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute have today welcomed a new government consultation on independent regulation of the bailiff industry.

The new Ministry of Justice consultation (published today) specifically recognises the need for “an independent statutory regulator” overseeing the whole bailiff industry, to ensure greater protections for vulnerable people”. 

The government is consulting on how the regulator could work with other regulatory bodies, and how it would be held to account by the Government. 

Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert), and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute have been campaigning for years for an independent regulator of the bailiff industry, alongside other mental health charities and debt advice campaigners. 

Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert and chair and founder of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:

“The sad truth is the majority of people who have bailiffs knock at their door are vulnerable, and many have mental health conditions – after all you are over three times more likely to be in crisis debt if you have a mental health problem than everyone else.  

“So independent regulation is absolutely crucial and we welcome a consultation, it is long overdue. We cannot allow an industry that already has huge power, to enter peoples homes, take their stuff and which leaves many feeling threatened, continue to self regulate – that is palpably absurd.”

Helen Undy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:

“Aggressive behaviour by bailiffs destroys lives, and it disproportionately affects people with mental health problems – who are more likely to be in debt, and more vulnerable to being affected. 

“We and other campaigners have long called for an independent regulator to stop bailiffs from breaking the rules, and we’re delighted that the government is acting on this. 

“We’ll be engaging in the consultation to make sure it delivers the independent regulation of the bailiff industry that’s needed to protect people in debt, especially those with mental health problems or other vulnerabilities.”

Money and Mental Health’s research shows that people with mental health problems are three and half times more likely to be in problem debt compared to the wider population.

They are disproportionately subjected to bailiff action. For example, in 2023, 73% of people in council tax debt who received a bailiff visit had a mental health problem. 

ENDS

For any media enquiries, please contact Alex Goodfellow, External Affairs Officer, on 07935 216 804 or [email protected].

The government’s full consultation can be found here.