The High Court Enforcement Officers Association is backing its members’ use of technology to improve the process of collecting outstanding debts on behalf of UK companies.
Andrew Wilson, Chairman of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association, said: “Many of our members have been using technology such as video calls and making extra efforts to engage with debtors at the Compliance Stage since the start of the year.
“Early intervention with debtors during the Compliance Stage helps people to understand the process and raise any concerns. Ultimately it leads to better engagement and increased collection rates.
“This is good practice and something the Association actively encourages, particularly at the current time with health and safety concerns around physical visits to debtors’ premises.”
Andrew added: “It is critical that this activity is undertaken and charged for in line with the stages set out in the Taking Control of Goods Regulations. It is clearly part of the Compliance Stage and should be charged for accordingly with a fee of £75+ VAT.”
The High Court Enforcement Officers Association represents members across England and Wales, who received over 104,000 writs in 2018, collecting just under £114 million in outstanding judgment debt on behalf of creditors.
Its members have recently unanimously voted to adopt as industry Best Practice a new approach to enforcement in a Covid-19 environment which will apply from 24 August 2020.
The post-lockdown plan, entitled “A Flexible and Sympathetic Approach to Enforcement”, which sets out the principles, working practices and behaviours that all High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEO’s) and representatives will follow once visits to residential properties are allowed.
