Martin Lewis has welcomed a significant legal change set to take effect next April, describing it as a 'big win' for consumers. The finance expert appeared on Good Morning Britain on June 17 to share vital information affecting hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.
Martin Lewis on the Law Change
The MoneySavingExpert founder has long campaigned against aggressive bailiff tactics, particularly regarding council tax collection. He called the current system the 'most hideous, aggressive form of debt collection' in the country. Under existing rules, missing a single monthly payment can trigger a demand for the full year's bill within three weeks, followed swiftly by bailiff action.
However, following Lewis's campaigning, the government has announced that from April, councils must provide a 63-day 'breathing space' before escalating debt to bailiffs. Lewis explained: 'Within three weeks of missing a single monthly payment, you can ask to be paid for the whole year. That's changing next April. We heard it here first on this show.'
Co-host Susanna Reid acknowledged the achievement, saying: 'That's a win for your campaigning.' Lewis responded: 'It is a big win. The law is changing, so you'll have 63 days breathing space before they can escalate it to a year, and there's some other changes going on too.'
Bailiff Regulation Still Needed
Despite this progress, Lewis urged the government to stop 'dragging its feet' on mandatory bailiff regulation. Currently, the Enforcement Conduct Board operates voluntarily, leaving hundreds of thousands of people visited by unregulated bailiffs each year. A government consultation in June 2025 acknowledged the need for an independent statutory regulator 'with teeth,' but no action has been taken.
Lewis highlighted the devastating impact on vulnerable people: of the five million bailiff visits annually, three-quarters involve homes where residents have mental health difficulties. Debt charity StepChange reports that bailiff visits adversely affect the mental health of 95% of people and physical health of 91%.
Your Rights When Bailiffs Call
Lewis stressed that you are generally not obliged to open your door to a bailiff. Bailiffs can only force entry under limited, court-appointed circumstances, such as unpaid criminal fines, income tax, or stamp duty. They cannot enter between 9pm and 6am, nor if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present. They are also prohibited from lying or abusing their powers.
However, refusing entry may escalate costs, and bailiffs can seize items outside your home, such as a vehicle, unless it is essential for your work. Essential household items, belongings of others, and children's possessions are protected.
Government Response
In April, the government announced a council tax overhaul following Lewis's campaigning. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said: 'Too many families are facing aggressive enforcement action, with people left terrified of bailiffs knocking on the door because one month's council tax bill was missed. We will stop this and make the system fairer by supporting families who fall behind.'
For those facing an emergency, such as an unexpected repossession threat, Lewis strongly recommends contacting a local advice agency or Citizens Advice for urgent assistance.
