Bailiffs are breaking the rules on a ‘massive scale’ and driving people deeper into poverty, charity warns.

A survey by Citizens Advice has found that one in four people (27%) have fallen into debt and are now potentially exposed to heavy-handed bailiffs. More than two million people were contacted by bailiffs during the last 18 months, according to the charity’s poll.

One in three (39%) who came into contact with a bailiff reported experiencing behaviour that broke Ministry of Justice (MoJ) rules, such as bailiffs forcing their way into a home when not allowed.

Citizens Advice also found 64% of people who had come into contact with a bailiff had experienced harassment or intimidation through doorstep visits, misrepresenting powers, or even threats to break into the property.

The charity estimates that bailiffs added £250m in fees to people’s debts during the last 18 months, placing further pressure on household finances.

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: ‘Bailiffs are a law unto themselves. Rogue behaviour is making things far worse for people in really difficult situations - sometimes pushing them further into debt.

‘Rules are in place to try and ensure bailiffs act fairly to recover debt, but our advisers are hearing from people every day who are being intimidated and harassed by bailiffs breaking these rules.’

Half of people (49%) who came into contact with a bailiff said they experienced long-term financial consequences and almost three in four people (72%) saw their mental health impacted.

Dame Moriarty continued: ‘This can't be allowed to continue. Bailiffs have been left to regulate themselves for far too long. We need the government to step up and ensure the industry is held accountable for its actions through a statutory regulatory body.’

Chris Nichols, chief executive of the Enforcement Conduct Board, said: 'The Enforcement Conduct Board has been created to ensure that all those who are subject to enforcement action in England and Wales are treated fairly.

'Today we are launching a consultation on our draft business plan setting out the steps we plan to take to deliver on our mission. This will include building an evidence base relating to current experiences of enforcement action and launching an accreditation scheme this summer, enabling those working in the enforcement industry to formally commit to high standards.

'The ECB is also working with creditors to encourage them to commit to using only accredited enforcement firms, helping to raise standards across the board.

'We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to promote best practice in the industry and for the benefit of those struggling with problem debt.'