A Plaid Cymru MS has welcomed tighter restrictions on the use of debt collection companies by local authorities.

Peredur Owen Griffiths MS, who represents South Wales East, said the decision of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to call for local authorities to use only accredited enforcement agencies to collect outstanding council tax was a progressive move.

Peredur has repeatedly called on the Welsh Government to ensure that only debt collection agencies accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board are used by public bodies. 

During First Minister’s Questions in January of this year, Peredur cited the example of a Newport woman who had been a victim of a rogue debt collection firm that had charged her several hundred pounds.

Peredur told Mr Drakeford: “The system adopted by some debt collection companies appears to be nothing more than a racket that preys upon the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Peredur has now welcomed the WLGA’s stance.

“This is a much needed change in Welsh society,” said Peredur. “Too many people have fallen victim to rogue debt collection firms who have extracted a vast fortune out of their victims with extortionate charges.

“It is long overdue that only approved firms were used by local authorities in Wales to give our citizens greater protection.

He added: “I would like to see this taken further now so that every public body is forced to use only firms approved by the Enforcement Conduct Board.”

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