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.
From later on in the story….
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.
I find it ironic that a nation that has practically criminalize self defense will now allow private sector debt collectors to use force to seize collateral.