HOUSE owners in Halton could soon be answering the door to unwelcomed guests after bailiffs were earmarked to receive new powers.
The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill includes measures that would give unprecedented powers to all bailiffs, including the right to kick doors down or force entry to houses to enforce unpaid debts and credit card arrears.
Only certain bailiffs have this power, most notably those enforcing magistrates' court fines.
Citizens Advice fears vulnerable people will be at greater risk from bailiffs abusing their powers as a result of new legislation.
It is pressing for independent regulation of bailiffs to be included in the Bill.
It also wants clear safeguards to ensure forcible entry is only used as a last resort and only where it can be shown the debtor is not a vulnerable person and that nonpayment is the result of wilful refusal or culpable neglect.
An analysis of 500 case reports from Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales since October 2006 found:
* Almost two-thirds (64%) of bailiffs were guilty of harassment or intimidation,
* 40% misrepresented their powers of entry,
* One quarter threatened debtors with imprisonment and 42% charged excessive fees.
David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: 'Our evidence shows bailiffs have an appalling track record.
'They are often abusive and aggressive, and use threats of violence and prison to pressurise people into paying lump sums they cannot af ford.'
