CAMPAIGNERS have picketed a black tie award ceremony for the top bailiff firms as they called for councils to put an end to the “fear and humiliation” propagated by debt collectors.

Activists disrupted the posh event at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms hotel in central London shouting “Get your feet off our backs, bailiffs out of council tax.”

Company bosses were faced with the loud protest as they arrived at the Civil Enforcement Association’s (CIVEA) annual gala where the Industry Excellence Award was given for “outstanding achievements of individuals and firms” in debt collection.

Demonstration organisers Debt Justice are calling for councils to end the use of private debt collectors on vulnerable residents.

They are also asking legislation to reflect local authority’s wellbeing duties to their constituents.  

Lead organiser Richard Dunbar said it was necessary to stand against this ceremony “where bailiffs were literally celebrating extracting money from people who have the least.”

He told the Star: “I’ve seen first-hand what that does — it’s not just about debt, it’s about fear, humiliation, and people being pushed further into crisis.

“This system isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as designed: punishing poverty. We don’t need more enforcement, we need compassion — systems that support people, not strip them bare. 

“And the law has to change, urgently, to end this violence dressed up as justice.”

Debt Justice Greater Manchester organising group member Jo Barker-Marsh said: “The action of local authorities using enforcement is abhorrent, and as we saw last night, the idea that there are compassionate bailiffs is almost entirely false.

“The arrogance we faced tonight is astounding and yet further proof this industry has no place in public life.”