The Prime Minister has unveiled a crackdown on rogue bailiffs who treat people in debt unfairly.

Andy Burnham announced tougher regulations for bailiffs today alongside separate measures designed to “put cowboy builders out of business”.

The government pledged increased oversight of the debt enforcement sector to ensure private bailiffs are held to consistent professional standards.

New rules will require private bailiffs in England and Wales to be accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board individually or by working for a firm that is.

It means that anyone who is facing enforcement action will have access to an independent complaints process.

The government says that, currently, vulnerable people are sometimes pressured into repayments that leave them unable to afford essentials.

Ministers also confirmed longer term plans to overhaul the wider consumer protection landscape.

This will examine how organisations like Citizens Advice and Trading Standards work with regulators, enforcement bodies and redress schemes.

The government says it wants to make it easier for organisations to work together so that consumers and victims of scams are not “passed from pillar to post”.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services Sarah Sackman says: “Bailiffs have an important job to do, but with that responsibility must come high standards.

“When someone is already struggling with debt, the last thing they should face is intimidating behaviour, unfair treatment or being pushed into excessive repayment arrangements they cannot afford.

“That’s why we’re strengthening the rules.

“All private bailiffs will have to meet proper, professional standards and will be subject to independent oversight – giving people greater protection and somewhere to turn when things go wrong.”