Credit Management January February 2024

ENFORCEMENT
A YEAR OF
PROGRESS
Looking at the year ahead and the
future of the enforcement profession.
BY ALAN J. SMITH FCICM
IT seems like 2024 is shaping up to be a year of progress for
enforcement. With several government consultations either
ongoing or concluded, it looks like we can expect some
clarity on pressing issues like enforcement fees and body
worn video in the coming months. However, there is still a
way to go if we want to ensure a sustainable enforcement
profession that safeguards UK plc.
Uplifts to enforcement fees
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) recently concluded a comprehensive
consultation on enforcement fees. Following a decade-long period of
fee stagnation, the prospect of uplifts has been met with a collective
sense of welcome relief within the enforcement profession.
While the proposed five percent uplift to the Compliance Fee falls
below what we would have liked to see, we eagerly anticipate further
collaboration with the MoJ on the other measures proposed in their
consultation paper. Our shared objective is to ensure that the diligent
efforts of Enforcement Agents are not only acknowledged but also
fairly remunerated. This ongoing dialogue seeks to strike an essential
balance between recognising the importance of a sustainable and
viable enforcement sector for all involved.
Body worn video
Many enforcement businesses and self-employed Enforcement Agents
already use body worn cameras during their visits. However, without
regulation, their usage will be inconsistent. The enforcement profession
needs those regulations to ensure that all footage is captured and saved
according to the same procedures.
While this has been an ongoing topic for some time, we are eagerly
anticipating the release of the Government’s consultation on Body
worn video and we are hopeful this will be released soon.
Brave | Curious | Resilient / www.cicm.com / January & February 2024 / PAGE 32