Government takes measures to better protect consumers against debt collection agencies and bailiffs | Economy

The problem had been on the political agenda for some time: those who forget to pay an invoice or pay it too late now risk ending up in a spiral of exuberant extra costs.

The federal government is now taking measures to better protect consumers. For example, the first reminder of an unpaid invoice will soon become mandatory free of charge. After receiving that reminder, consumers then have another 14 days to arrange the payment. Only after that period can default interest and compensation be charged.

Another novelty is the ceiling on the extra costs that can be charged. If the debt does not exceed 150 euros, for example, a maximum of 20 euros in damages may be charged. The measure applies to all forms of debt with companies and hospitals, as well as to unpaid parking fines.

In addition, no additional costs can be charged when a consumer is given notice of default but disputes the debt or requests a payment plan or debt mediation. Minister Dermagne talks about an “emergency brake” that protects the consumer and offers the possibility to find a suitable solution.

Finally, collection agencies, bailiffs and lawyers are subject to new obligations. For example, collection agencies will soon only be able to declare consumers in default if they have checked in advance that the amounts remain within the legal limits of a compensation clause. Bailiffs and lawyers who are involved in an amicable claim are then again subject to control by the economic inspectorate.

Vooruit party leader Melissa Depraetere and CD&V MP Leen Dierick are satisfied with the measures. “Debts have to be paid, but not at any price,” says Depraetere. “Today we see that bailiffs, debt collection agencies and lawyers make exorbitant profits on the protection of vulnerable people, but also on people who forget to pay their invoices.” Dierick hopes that parliament can now quickly get to work on the concrete legislative texts. “The financial situation of many consumers has deteriorated to such an extent due to successive crises that it is urgent,” says Dierick.

Test Aankoop speaks of “an important milestone in consumer protection”. The new rules will basically put an end to a whole range of abuses, spokesman Simon November said. The consumer organization hopes that parliament can quickly approve the amended rules.