StepChange has written an election manifesto calling on each of the political parties to commit to certain measures during the General Election campaign.

StepChange is calling on the various political parties to commit to introducing an independent regulator for bailiffs and enforcement agents, and to create binding good practice standards for public sector debt collection and enforcement.

Earlier this week the charity called for the Ministry of Justice and HMRC to refund VAT incorrectly charged on bailiffs fees to debtors.

StepChange also wants parliament to commit to continue the implementation of a “breathing space” scheme and statutory debt repayment plans to help people recover from problem debt.

Also on the charity’s manifesto is a commitment to pilot a no-interest loan scheme in the UK to support those who might otherwise have to turn to high-cost credit or go without essentials.

StepChange also wants ministers to set out a strategy to reduce the number of people using credit for essential household bills, emergency expenses and essential household goods. It also wants to see an improved benefits system that is more responsive to crisis needs – including ending the five-week wait for Universal Credit.

The charity’s Scottish arm, StepChange Scotland, has produced a complementary version of the StepChange manifesto that draws specifically on the charity’s experience in Scotland, where debt advice and solutions are subject to different regulations.

Peter Tutton, StepChange head of policy, research and public affairs, said: “It would be a tragedy for people in problem debt if the positive work in progress – such as the reform of bailiff regulation and the implementation of statutory debt Breathing Space in England and Wales – got lost somewhere between this government and the next. So we urge in the strongest possible terms that all the work in progress is carried over by the next government.

“At the same time, there is so much more that any government could and should do, especially in strengthening the safety nets that can help households build greater financial resilience, and protect them when unforeseeable hard times do strike. We especially urge the next government to commit to measures that will better support the financial resilience of single parents, adults under 40, renters (especially in the private sector), and people with physical and mental health problems.”