Rundles Managing Director, Chris Rundle, sits on the Executive Committee at CIVEA and he has welcomed the recent developments in Bailiff legislation. ”I, along with my peers at CIVEA, have long campaigned for the continued improvement to Bailiff regulations and in particular the consultation document that has been released today,” he said. “Whilst the full scope of the document is currently being assessed, we hope that the new legislation receives a speedy introduction.

“These improvements should unify and simplify a number of aspects in the bailiff regulations and I trust that such clarification is welcomed across the industry. We will wait for the associations (CIVEA) full assessment of the document before making any detailed comment on it’s content, but naturally I am delighted that such action is being taken.”

The Ministry of Justice recently confirmed the significant tightening of bailiff regulations, which has resulted in the government publishing an updated National Standard for Enforcement Agents.

The improved standards, that define acceptable behaviour by bailiffs, are hoped to the first in a raft of regulation tightening in the industry – something that Rundles has long been a campaigner for. Managing Director Chris Rundle sits on the Executive Committee of CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Agency), which is aimed at promoting higher industry standards in Civil Enforcement.

“Rundles strongly supports the need for stricter regulations in the industry and I have done so personally for many years,” says Chris. “This is a very encouraging step and we support the government on improving legislation further in the near future.”

All staff members at Rundles have to adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and working practices, which are continually evolving to suit the requirements and current legislation.  Our Code of Conduct incorporates all the elements of the National Standards for Enforcement Agents as well as the CIVEA Code of Conduct and Good Practice Guide.

This latest announcement from the Ministry of Justice, which resulted in the updated standards, said the following:

“Today the Government has published updated National Standards for Enforcement Agents which defines acceptable behaviour for bailiffs.

“The voluntary code has been tightened so that people are protected from rogue bailiffs who use unsound, unsafe or unfair methods, while at the same time making sure businesses and authorities can still collect debts fairly.

“Additions to the National Standards tackle intimidating and threatening behaviour, prevent bailiffs from misrepresenting their powers, and reinforce rules about how firms should resolve complaints about rogue agents. Councils and other authorities will adopt the standards which will be used to set rules for any bailiffs working for them.

“The updated National Standards outline the minimum standards of behaviours expected by bailiffs and bailiff firms, including;

• Bailiffs must not behave in a threatening manner or use unlawful force to gain access to a home or business;
• Bailiffs should avoid discussing the debt with anyone except the person owing money, and bailiffs must never behave in a way that would publically embarrass a debtor;
• Bailiffs must withdraw when only a child is present; and
• Bailiffs have a duty of care towards vulnerable people, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, single parents and unemployed people and must use discretion when collecting debts from these groups.

“The announcement today is the first step in Government plans to change the way bailiffs are regulated, to make sure they operate fairly for all concerned.  As Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly announced the standards, he also outlined proposals to create a new legally-binding regulatory regime for bailiffs.  They include:

• New rules around the modes and times of entry to make it clear when and how an enforcement agent may enter a home or a business;
• Which goods are exempt to make it clear which items an enforcement agent may not take from someone’s home or business premises; and
• What fees bailiffs can charge for the range of debts that they collect for local government, courts and businesses.

“The full proposals will be consulted on in Spring, with a view to the proposals becoming law as soon as possible.”

If you are interested in any of the services provided by Rundles, please contact our Business Development Manager Mike Harkins on 08456 585040 or at mharkins@rundles.org.uk.

Rundles success in securing a further 4-year contract with the London Borough of Newham earlier this year has been reported on by leading IRRV magazine Insight in the December edition of the monthly publication.

The full-page article covers ‘Newham’s tough approach to council tax evaders to complement the Olympic Host Borough’s high profile,’ which includes information on the Rundles partnership and a quote from Managing Director Chris Rundle.

The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation produces a full range of publications targeted at practitioners working in the fields of local taxation, local authority administered benefits, non domestic rating and public and private sector valuation.

The flagship magazines are Insight, which goes monthly to all members of the IRRV, and bi-monthly Benefit, read by subscribers primarily within local authority benefits departments.

The full article on Rundles and the London Borough of Newham reads as follow…

The London Borough of Newham is continuing its campaign of clamping down on council tax evaders after recently re-appointing Rundles to recover outstanding debt for the next five years, further extending a long standing relationship between the two parties.

The Newham area itself has embarked on a major phase of development in recent years, particularly since being chosen as the host borough for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new Westfield Shopping Centre, which opened in September, is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, and shares its postcode with the Olympic Park. These two introductions alone, along with a number of other impressive developments, have led to a vast increase in jobs and visitors to the area.

Talking about a campaign to get tougher on council tax evaders however, the council’s website warns residents of their approach by stating it is “letting council tax dodgers know we will no longer put up with them not paying”.

The Olympic host borough admitted to having taken a “more hard line approach” since 2007, recognising that collection of outstanding debt is necessary to further improve the services provided by the borough. Warrants of arrest and committal order applications have both been made through the courts against non-payers since that time, and tougher actions have resulted in several suspended prison sentences for persistent evaders.

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, supports the message to residents that they could be looking at bankruptcy, losing their home or even a prison sentence if they fail to pay their council tax. “While the majority of our residents pay their council tax on time, a number persistently avoid paying it, despite receiving numerous summonses, liability orders and even bailiff action,” he notes on the council website.

“While none of us enjoys paying bills, council tax is necessary – it means that we all have the services that improve our lives such as cleaner streets, staff in our schools and meals on wheels for our elderly. Those people who do not pay put a greater burden on those who do pay.”

A further improvement in the area is the Enterprise Zone status, which was awarded to Newham as part of the 2011 budget. Sir Robin Wales urged the Chancellor to grant the zone to Newham, allowing looser planning rules and discounts on business rates, in order to encourage yet more investment in the area. “We have already had success in getting people into work through our Workplace model, but it’s vital we create more jobs for people over the coming years,” said the elected Mayor earlier this year. “It is also vital that these new zones do not repeat the mistakes of the past and deliver benefits to our workless community. We will now focus on working closely with government on the detail of the zone, to ensure it meets the needs of Newham and gets the maximum benefit for new and existing businesses.”

Debt recovery is still critical however, and this latest contract award covers the recovery of council tax, business rates and sundry debts until 2016, continuing a long standing partnership that will have spanned for at least a decade at the conclusion of the term. Rundles has provided impressive recovery rates for Newham since 2004, and this new contract further strengthens the company’s growing portfolio of clients in London and the south east.

“We are delighted to be re-appointed as a service provider to the London Borough of Newham,” said Managing Director Chris Rundle. “The Borough is living in exciting times, and we are proud to have been a partner during this rapid period of development and beyond.

“Improving existing client relationships is of great importance, as it is testament to the services we provide over a consistent and sustained period. We never rest on our laurels however, and we will continue to improve our services provided to Newham by evolving our latest enforcement techniques and technologies as part of this contract. I am delighted that the long standing partnership between Rundles and Newham will continue for more than ten years and hopefully long after that.”

As for Newham, the Borough is about to embark on arguably the most important and exciting 12 months in its history, which it is keen for its residents, businesses and visitors to embrace and enjoy. But judging by its impressive stance on council tax evaders you’d be wrong to think the local authority is merely focussed on the Olympic Games and not on its services.

If you are interested in any of the services provided by Rundles, please contact our Business Development Manager Mike Harkins on 08456 585040 or at mharkins@rundles.org.uk.

The all-encompassing contract includes the recovery of Council Tax, NNDR, Commercial Rent, Parking Services, Sundry Debt, Warrants of Arrest and Tracing Agent Services.Rundles has supplied such services to Tower Hamlets since 2005 and this latest contract is set to continue for another year, which commenced on 1 August 2011, with a possible extension for a further 24 months.

While Rundles has secured a number of contracts for completely new clients in recent months, its retention of existing clients has also been hugely successful, which is key to the company’s development. Rundles performance in this area of work is demonstrated by the longevity of our partnerships with existing clients. One client has been with Rundles for almost 18 years and nearly 75% of clients have remained with us for more than five years, including both Tower Hamlets and its neighbouring borough Newham.

“We have developed good working practices with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets over the years that achieve excellent outcomes in terms of collection performance,” said Managing Director Chris Rundle. “We manage, control and monitor all our contracts closely and our carefully tailored and dedicated systems have proved successful with Tower Hamlets. Our experienced team also submitted a fantastic tender, and we are delighted to continue this relationship with Tower Hamlets.”

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is east of the City of London and north of the River Thames. It is in the eastern part of London and covers much of the traditional East End. It also includes the Docklands region of London, including West India Docks and Canary Wharf. It also hosts world-class attractions like the Tower of London; vibrant streets like Brick Lane; and of course the famous East End markets of Columbia Road, Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane.

The borough is also set to benefit greatly from the arrival of the 2012 Olympic Games next Summer. Tower Hamlets is the neighbouring borough to Olympic Hosts Newham, who Rundles also supply debt recovery services to. The Olympic marathon, Paralympic marathon and walking race will actually take place in Tower Hamlets, which is also home to the headquarters of the London Organising committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority  (ODA). A number of venues in Tower Hamlets have also been accredited to host international athletes from athletics, basketball, fencing and boxing.

Many visitors are expected in the area in 2012, with its own website stating ‘Tower Hamlets is perfectly positioned to act as the playground for the Olympics.’

If you are interested in any of the services provided by Rundles, please contact our Business Development Manager Mike Harkins on 08456 585040 or at mharkins@rundles.org.uk.

Rundles has been an ESPO approved service provider since 2009 and this latest agreement will take the partnership into a fourth year. A new procurement exercise to re-let the framework will commence next summer with a view to a new framework commencing on 1 January 2013.

ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) is a joint Committee of Local Authorities and operates within the Local Government.  It acts as a purchasing agent for its member authorities and other customers and provides a professional cost effective procurement and supply service. ESPO takes a strategic role offering best practice relating to the procurement function as a whole.

ESPO is also part of the Pro 5 Membership, which includes five of the largest public sector professional buying organisations in the UK with a combined purchasing power in excess of £2 billion per annum. Central Buying Consortium (CBC), North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), West Mercia Supplies (WMS) and Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) also work alongside ESPO as part of the Pro 5, which opens this framework up to a vast number of Local Authorities.

In this circumstance, bailiff companies accepted under the framework may be chosen to provide services by ESPOs member authorities without going through an expensive and lengthy tender process. Many Councils already employ this route and the option is available for any Local Authority to take advantage of.

Rundles successfully supplies debt recovery services to Guildford and East Riding of Yorkshire councils under this agreement, and will now have the opportunity to expand its client base under this ever-growing option for Local Authorities.

Managing Director Chris Rundle said: “This is a great opportunity for Rundles. The ESPO framework has been growing in its appeal to Local Authorities, particularly in these tougher economic times, and the option makes complete sense for others to utilise. We effectively went through a tender process in order to be accepted under the ESPO framework, which means Councils can avoid taking up its own procurement process. It goes without saying that we adapt our services to meet the specific requirements of each client, as we do successfully for East Riding and Guildford under this framework. We’re delighted to be a part of this agreement and thank the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation for the opportunity.”

Rundles has recently been confirmed as a debt recovery service provider to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. The contract covers debts due to the Council arising from council tax, non-domestic rates, former tenant arrears, sundry debt, housing and road traffic debt.

The Council’s Cabinet agreed to adopt the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) Contract for Bailiff Services, and also accepted Rundles application to be the providers of that service for three years, starting 19 September 2011. The recovery of road traffic debt is not due to commence until spring 2012.

The Borough of East Riding of Yorkshire is simply known as East Yorkshire. The city of Kingston upon Hull is part of the Borough, along with a number of smaller towns and villages, such as Beverley and the coastal settlements of Bridlington and Hornsea.

The area also enjoys welcoming a vast number of visitors from around the country for major sporting events. Hull City FC are currently playing Championship football at the magnificent KC Stadium situated in East Riding, having enjoyed Premier League status in recent years.  Hull also boasts two rugby league teams playing in the Super League – the only city to have two clubs competing at the highest level of the game. A number of visitors also enjoy attending horse racing at Beverley.

“It is wonderful news,” said Rundles Finance Director Hilary Butler. “Having our expertise and services recognised for all encompassing contracts such as this is a major part of Rundles growth strategy. The award of this contract is yet further evidence that we are best qualified to recover all types of debt, whether it be council tax, NDR or road traffic debt, which is an area we have strengthened greatly in 2011. I would like to thank everyone at East Riding of Yorkshire Council for giving us this opportunity and we look forward to developing a successful relationship with them over the next three years.”

Rundles portfolio of clients has been further bolstered after securing a contract to recover debt owed to several departments within the Boroughs of Northampton and Wellingborough. The news is just reward for Rundles after developing relations and delivering performance for the boroughs under the CCS name in recent years.

Rundles involvement with Northampton and Wellingborough first came about when the company took over CCS back in 2008. CCS already supplied debt recovery services to the two local authorities, and with CCS then falling under the Rundles umbrella, the company embarked on a concerted period of development. Rundles improved the overall performance of the contract while also recognising client liaison as being key moving forward.

When a framework contract for debt collection and enforcement services in respect of the collection of unpaid council tax, non-domestic rates, former tenant arrears, overpaid housing benefits, commercial rents and sundry debts was released earlier this year, Rundles submitted its own tender.

News came through last week that Rundles’ application had been successful, following on from a number of other winning submissions in recent months, which also included the reappointment of our services in the Olympic Host Borough of Newham.

“This is yet more fantastic news for Rundles,” said Managing Director Chris Rundle. “After taking over from CCS in 2008, inheriting their contracts posed a real challenge. Our team worked extremely hard in improving performance and our overall service in the Northampton and Wellingborough area, as they do with all our clients, and I am delighted that we have now successfully tendered under the Rundles name. While this is a continuation of a growing relationship, it is a new acquisition of sorts for Rundles and we sincerely look forward to this being a long and successful partnership for all concerned.”

Northampton itself has a rich and distinguished history, and is centrally located in the heart of England.

Situated north-west of London and south-east of Birmingham, Northampton is one of the major towns between the two biggest cities in England. The large market town also has a sports heritage with Northampton hosting football, rugby and cricket teams. In recent years, engineering has taken over as one of the key industries in Northampton with hundreds of motorsport companies based in the area, including a number of Formula 1 teams. The home of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone is just 15 miles from Northampton City Centre.

Wellingborough is a vastly growing town, situated some 11 miles from Northampton, and shares many of the same attributes, services and challenges to that of its larger neighbour.

Rundles long standing client relationship with the London Borough of Newham has been further extended after successfully submitting a tender to supply bailiff services.

The contract awarded to Rundles covers the recovery of Council Tax, Business Rates and sundry debts until 2015 and continues an evolving partnership that will have spanned for a least a decade at the conclusion of this latest agreement.  Rundles has provided impressive recovery rates for the Olympic Host Borough since 2004 and this latest contract further strengthens the company’s portfolio of clients in London and the South East.

The Borough itself is situated just 5 miles east of the City of London – Newham has one of the highest ethnic minority demographics in the UK and one of the youngest poulations too.

Newham has embarked on a major phase of development in recent years, particularly since being chosen as the Host Borough for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The new Westfield Shopping Centre, which opened earlier this month, is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe and also shares its postcode with the Olympic park  These two introductions alone, along with a number of other impressive developments, have led to a vast increase in jobs and visitors to the area.

Speaking about a campaign to get tougher on Council Tax evaders however, May of Newham Sir Robin Wales recognised that collection of outstanding debt is necessary to further improve the services provided by the Borough.

This latest acquisition continues a fantastic period of expansion for Rundles, which has seen the company secure a number of new contracts and successful re-appointment at many other Local Authorities.  Contracts issued by the London Boroughs of Southward, Camden and Tower Hamlets in the last 12 months are just some of those won by Rundles, which boasts a strong client base throughout the Country.  In early 2011, Rundles also underwent a complete company re brand to further promote its ever-growing status in the enforcement industry.

“We are delighted to be re-appointed as a service provider to the London Borough of Newham,” said Managing Director Chris Rundle. “The Borough is thriving in these exciting times and Rundles is proud to have been a partner during this rapid period of development and beyond”.

“Improving existing clients relationships is of great importance to Rundles as it is a testament to the services we provide over a consistent and sustained period.  We never rest on our laurels however,  and we will continue to improve our services provided to Newham by evolving our latest enforcements techniques and technologies as part of the contract.  I am delighted that the long standing partnership between Rundles and Newham will continue for more than ten years and hopefully long after that”.

Rundles already carry out recovery for Chichester Council in respect of Council Tax and Business Rates and are extremely pleased that they have chosen Rundles to act for them in the recovery of Unpaid Penalty Charge Notices.

This adds to the ever growing portfoilo of clients within the area.