There’s a long tradition of campaigning journalism in local media. In our Annual General Meeting in 2017, Cable members gave the go ahead for the co-op to carry on this tradition.
Taking this lead, the Cable is launching a campaign to call on the council and mayor to stop using private hired muscle in the form of bailiffs to collect council tax debts.
The extensive use of bailiffs by the council has dramatic and negative effects for tens of thousands of people in Bristol. Crucially, there are viable alternatives for families, communities and our city.
We’re calling on the Mayor and all political parties to commit to investigating alternative methods of collecting council tax, and begin a complete phase-out of the use of bailiffs.
Our campaign will include a series of investigations, strong voices and compelling arguments for alternatives, as we bring together individuals and organisations across the city who know that booting out the bailiffs is the right and necessary thing to do.
This campaign has now ended, with success! We were also nominated for a British Journalism Award for Campaign of the Year!
#bootoutbailiffs
Reports
Charities call on councils nationwide to follow Bristol on bailiffs
Debt and anti-poverty campaigners react to new debt collection approach in Bristol
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The BBC on the breakthrough to #bootoutbailiffs
BBC coverage of the campaign calling on the council to stop using bailiffs, made possible by the Cable and others.
Where to get help if you are facing bailiffs at your door
Bailiffs chasing you for debt is scary, but there is help on hand.
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Breakthrough: Council takes step towards booting out bailiffs
Thousands of people's lives could be made better, following a Bristol Cable campaign.
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Opinion: Our mayor has an open goal opportunity to help thousands. Will he take it?
There is a strong moral and financial case to drop the medieval practice of enforcing debts with hired heavies.
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A rapper has made a track to #bootoutbailiffs
This local rapper is using his skills to call on the council to #bootoutbailiffs
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The Labour councillor calling time on council bailiffs
He has been on the sharp end, and now wants to change how the council collects debt.
Voices
“I was chased by bailiffs and the council for a debt I never owed”
This man was hounded for 11 months for money he was never required to pay.
Reports
Ministry of Justice announces crackdown on ‘rogue bailiffs’
Government report puts council tax bailiffs in the spotlight as Cable campaign gathers pace.
Investigations
Revealed: Tory financiers are cashing in on the bailiffs used by the council
The bailiff firm most used by Bristol City Council to collect council tax debts is part-owned by a firm of financiers closely linked to - and major donors of - the Tory party, the Cable can reveal.
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We’re launching a campaign to stop the council setting bailiffs on Bristolians. Here’s why.
Using muscle to collect debts is as old as money itself. But the Mayor and Bristol City Council must use fairer and more effective ways. It's time to #bootoutbailiffs.
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The council have set bailiffs on tens of thousands of Bristolians. But there is another way.
This investigation is part of a Bristol Cable campaign calling on the council to stop using bailiffs to collect council tax.
