Five bailiff offices, including the four largest in the Netherlands, agreed with the Dutch Association for People’s Credit (NVVK) to speed up access to debt relief. Under the agreement, when someone with debts turns to a debt relief provider, the bailiffs will cooperate with the process before making a seizure. The provider will first assess the person’s debt situation, and any ongoing seizure will be paused. The parties said people seeking help need time and peace to work on a solution.

The agreement was presented as a change in the role of bailiffs toward earlier identification of debt problems, preventing escalation and helping people find a way forward. The NVVK said it hoped more bailiffs would join. The figures cited were that more than 700,000 people seek help with debt each year, with average debts of €40,000 and 12 to 13 creditors; about 18,000 ultimately receive a settlement from a debt relief provider.