Petition · Ministry of Justice

Prohibit court / bailiff action for any debts under £500

Open for signatures 31 signatures

What the petition asks

Currently, it's possible for court summons to be issued, and for bailiffs to be sent to collect amounts which we feel are minor. Sometimes the cost of the court proceedings can outweigh the original charge. I want all court and bailiff proceedings for debts under £500 to be prohibited.
We have many families who are lower affluence. Already struggling to maintain bills, or to keep food on the table. As a country we have excessive debts, and a rapid decline in mental health. I think adding these pressures on for small amounts of cash owed, such as council tax, is inhumane.

Timeline

1 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 31
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 1 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.