Petition · Ministry of Justice
Make Digital Communication Mandatory for Debt Collection & Enforcement in the UK
Closed
48 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on the UK Government to urgently make digital communication (email, text, online portals) mandatory for all debt collection and enforcement letters, with post as a backup. This could help ensure people aren’t unfairly penalised for missing letters sent to old addresses.
We think too many people face spiralling fines simply because letters are sent to old addresses after they move. Renters, students, and families in unstable housing can be hit hardest, punished not for avoiding payment but for missing post. We feel that in a digital age, relying solely on paper letters is outdated and unfair. We already do taxes, banking, and healthcare online — we think debt enforcement should be no different. Digital communication could help protect vulnerable people and stop avoidable debt traps.
Timeline
| 27 Oct 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Apr 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
48
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
27 Oct 2025
Closed
27 Apr 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.