New research commissioned by the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) has raised concern over increasing hostility towards enforcement agents, with findings suggesting both growing public aggression and frequent threats faced by professionals in the field.
According to the survey, nearly half of respondents (48%) said they would react aggressively or use verbal or physical abuse if approached by an enforcement agent at their property. Despite this, 64% agreed that enforcement remains necessary to ensure payment of debts such as council tax, which fund essential public services.
Public attitudes appear conflicted — while many expressed frustration with enforcement activity, a large majority (80%) reported sympathy for agents subjected to threats or violence, and two-thirds (66%) supported stronger penalties for assaults against them.
The study was carried out alongside a second survey of more than 300 enforcement agents working across England and Wales. Over half (56%) of those questioned reported receiving verbal threats at least once a week, while 58% said incidents of aggression and physical confrontation were increasing. Almost all respondents (98.7%) called for tougher consequences for members of the public who abuse or attack agents during the course of their duties.
Despite the risks, nearly 60% of enforcement agents said they had not considered leaving the profession, citing the importance of their work in supporting local authority debt recovery.
CIVEA Chief Executive Russell Hamblin-Boone said:
“It is deeply concerning to see an increase in reports of physical violence and threats towards Enforcement Agents and the risk they face in the course of their duties. Enforcement Agents are working on behalf of local councils to support and help people manage their debt.
“In the current cost of living crisis, many people are struggling but it’s a common myth that Enforcement Agents turn up unannounced. Enforcement action is actually a last resort after multiple letters, phone calls and emails haven’t been responded to and the council has taken the case to court.
“That’s why it’s so important for people to engage early as often councils won’t have any details about their situation. Enforcement Agents are often the first to see when someone’s struggling behind closed doors. Last year, they helped over 350,000 vulnerable people get the support they needed from their local councils.
“We recognized that speaking to an Enforcement Agent can be a stressful experience, but violence or verbal abuse is never an acceptable response. That’s why, as part of our Safer Enforcement campaign, we are focused on educating the public about the lawful role and powers that Enforcement Agents have. We will also be engaging the police in responding to assaults on Enforcement Agents.”
CIVEA said the findings highlight the need for better public understanding of the enforcement process and for improved cooperation between agencies and the police.
The survey also revealed that fewer than half of respondents (45%) knew that funds collected by enforcement agents go directly to local authorities, supporting services such as education, libraries, social care, and road maintenance.
In the last financial year, enforcement agents recovered approximately £1 billion for councils across England and Wales.
Russell Hamblin-Boone added:
“Councils across the country are struggling to deliver vital services due to mounting financial pressures. The collection of unpaid council tax debt is a necessary step in recouping payment from those refusing to pay, not those who can’t pay.”
CIVEA represents around 40 member companies, accounting for more than 95% of the enforcement sector across England and Wales.