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 We feel that in a digital age, relying solely on paper letters is outdated and unfair.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

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 19 Aug 2026.