Consultation on the Administration of Justice and Other Amendments Bill 2020

Overview

Views are sought on the draft Administration of Justice and other Amendments Bill 2020 (the 'Bill').

The Bill has been developed following policy consultation on the options for improving how civil debts are recorded and made accessible in the Island, and for improving the effectiveness of debt recovery by the Coroners.

It is envisioned that the improvements in how civil debts are recorded and made available in the Island will, over time, lead to a reduction in such debts arising. This is because the improved register will enable anyone considering entering into a business arrangement with another person an opportunity to review, and take into account, the credit worthiness of that person before doing so.

Improvements in the effectiveness of debt recovery by the Coroners will ensure that where such civil debts do arise, there is a greater likelihood of the sums of money owed being returned to an execution creditor by the Coroner.

The Bill has two key policy outcomes:

• To introduce a more comprehensive and easily accessible register of judgments and other civil debts in the Island (a register of debts); and
• To level the playing field for the enforcement of civil debts in the Island by removing statutory provisions that impact the effectiveness of Coroners undertaking enforcement action. 

Why we are consulting

The purpose of this consultation is to invite comments on the draft Administration of Justice and Other Amendments Bill 2020.

Submission

Any comments or questions that are not otherwise submitted via the online survey below, should be submitted in writing to:

Policy & Legislation Office,
The Treasury
1 Floor, Government Office,
Bucks Road, Douglas
IM1 3PU

Or by email to Treasuryconsultations@gov.im

The closing date for the receipt of comments is Monday 30 November 2020.

What happens next

The Treasury will publish a summary of the responses as soon as possible after the closing date of the consultation.  Based on the consultation feedback, changes to the draft Bill will be considered and applied where appropriate.