Overview

This bill aims to speed up the process of issuing bailiff warrants for possession and broaden the range of individuals authorized to execute them in England and Wales. It sets a four-week time limit for court decisions on warrant applications and allows for greater flexibility in who can carry out evictions.

Description

The Bailiffs (Warrants of Possession) Bill introduces two key changes:

Time Limits on Warrant Issuance

Courts must decide on applications for bailiff warrants within four weeks.

Alternative Bailiff Types

The bill expands the types of individuals permitted to execute possession warrants. This includes county court bailiffs, High Court enforcement officers, family court bailiffs, individuals approved by the Lord Chancellor under the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, and those certified under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. The Secretary of State also retains the power to add further approved individuals.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. However, the changes could indirectly affect government spending depending on the implementation costs and the efficiency gains from faster processing of warrant applications.

Groups Affected

• Landlords: May experience faster eviction processes.
• Renters facing eviction: May face quicker eviction proceedings.
• Courts: Will face stricter time constraints in processing warrant applications.
• Bailiffs and Enforcement Officers: The range of individuals eligible to execute warrants will expand, potentially affecting employment and workload.
• The Secretary of State and the Lord Chancellor: Will have increased responsibilities regarding regulations and approvals.

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