The debt enforcement sector is a key delivery partner of the UK Government, but its poor political and media reputation had deterred Government from increasing fee rates for many years. This was undermining investment and the industry’s ability to manage the most complicated cases involving vulnerable debtors. Our advisor was engaged by the leading industry actor to change the dynamic of negotiations. 

Our advisor changed the dynamic of negotiations by proposing a new, voluntary oversight body, to be funded by the enforcement sector. Working with a leading think tank with strong political links and a record of campaigning on behalf of the poor, our advisor helped develop the proposal for the oversight body and coordinated a wider negotiation with stakeholders including the enforcement sector, debt advice charities, and political groups. 

The resulting detailed proposal led to the establishment of the industry-funded Enforcement Conduct Board, a key requirement for which was funding certainty for the sector, which Government met by announcing a 5% uplift in fees as an interim move toward a wider review in 2024.