Enforcement Conduct Board
Making sure people experiencing enforcement action are fairly treated
The Enforcement Conduct Board provides independent oversight of the enforcement industry (bailiffs) to ensure that all those who are subject to enforcement action in England & Wales are fairly treated.
The ECB has published its sector-side Review into fee-charging practices across the enforcement sector. The Review examines how firms interpret the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations and apply fees in practice.
The Review found no evidence of widespread or systemic overcharging, but it did find significant inconsistencies in firms approaches. We will therefore develop new Standards in 2026, for implementation in 2027.
Read the full Review here:
The ECB has published new Vulnerability Standards for enforcement firms and agents. Our mission is to make enforcement fair and these Standards create stronger protections for people in vulnerable situations.
The Standards raise the bar for the entire industry. At their core, they do two things:
a. Improve the way that enforcement firms and agents identify and respond to vulnerability
b. ensure repayment plans are sustainable and safe when people cannot repay in full.
The Standards take effect in January 2027. Firms must produce implementation plans by June 2026 to show how they, and the agents they employ, will prepare. Find out more here:
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