BAILIFFS working in Blackburn could be forced to follow a strict code of practice following recent changes to the law.

Blackburn Council is planning to bring in the new rules for collectors who recover debts from people behind in their business rates.

Bailiffs will only be used in extreme circumstances where people have consistently refused to pay debts.

Blackburn was one of the first councils in the country to introduce a code of practice.

But the Government is recommending that authorities adopt the new code drawn up by Department of the Environment officials.

Under the changes, bailiffs must take every step to ensure people are aware of their rights and must do everything possible to recover the debt without seizing private property. A strict timescale will have to be followed and detailed records on telephone calls and letters to correspondents must be kept.

A list of debt collectors working in the borough will also be drawn up with only applications from the Certificated Bailiffs' Association being accepted.

Blackburn Council has also introduced new ways of recovering council tax debt and recently appointed agents to take on telephone work.

There are also plans to bring in employment tracing as a way of collecting bad debts.

The changes will be discussed at a management and finance committee tonight.

The committee is also likely to agree to write off more than £15,000 of unpaid business rates.

A further £120,312 in council tax and community tax will also be written off.

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