A committee on debt collection in the Federal Parliament has updated its list of items that can be taken by bailiffs in debt seizures, De Standaard reports. Among the new items that bailiffs will soon be able to seize: Chickens, sheep, straw, goats, fodder, grain, and an array of other bizarre items.
Until recently, the Judicial Code prevented the seizure of many objects, including agricultural goods such as livestock for almost half a century. This is soon set to change, at the initiative of the Flemish socialists, Vooruit.
For indebted companies, especially in the agricultural sector, this list of exempt goods is very often a lifeline.
Belgium possesses a large debt sector, which has often been accused of being overbearing. In 2021, bailiffs seized goods on no fewer than 179,563 occasions, according to statistics requested from Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. In December 2022, the minister pledged to fight against aggressive debt collectors and predatory lending.
Despite this, the list of seizable goods will now be significantly expanded. Even simple goods like ironing boards, and the iron that goes with it, will soon be fair game for debt collectors.
Nevertheless, some new goods will be put beyond the reach of creditors. Bailiffs will no longer be able to seize laptops for those who require them for work or studies. Likewise, printers and mobile phones will also be soon considered as indispensable items.
There is one condition, however. Computers and mobile phones will be protected as long as their value does not exceed €2,500 and €500, respectively. Similarly, luxury goods are also not protected. Expensive smart TVs and gaming PCs may still be subject to seizure.
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“Some things have simply become indispensable. Of course, creditors must be able to get their money back, but this ensures that people who have debts can also live with dignity,” Melissa Depraetere, leader of Vooruit and author of the bills, told De Standaard.
New protections
While expanding the list of seizable goods, and protecting some others, the new bill also offers new protections to those living in cohabitation arrangements. Now, only spouses, but also legal cohabitants and all children living under the same roof, will be protected from debt seizures.
“In parliament, we heard harrowing testimonies about the children of a new partner whose laptop was taken away. That’s no longer possible,” she assured. The period of opposing the seizure of goods has also been extended from 5 to 15 days.
It is likely that the bill will be given the go-ahead by the House Committee on Justice today. This bill has been discussed extensively by the ruling majority in parliament and a series of amendments have already been agreed upon. “This is already eight years in the marking. It’s about time it got through,” Depraetere concluded.
