Fresh demands are being made for the Labour government and the energy regulator Ofgem to impose an immediate ban on the compulsory fitting of prepayment meters by utility companies.
Secret Court Processes Continue
This urgent call follows concerning reports that magistrates across England and Wales are continuing to grant warrants for these installations through confidential court hearings. These so-called "secret court processes" are reportedly still operating more than three years after a major scandal erupted in 2022, when energy firms were accused of using debt collectors to force meters onto struggling customers.
It is alleged that magistrates have been automatically approving these warrants without conducting proper checks. The crucial scrutiny of whether households received adequate warning about potential forced entry into their homes appears to have been lacking.
Campaigners Demand Immediate Pause
Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, expressed outrage at the situation. "It is extraordinary that more than three years after this scandal first broke, families are still being dragged through secret court processes that even now appear to lack basic safeguards," he stated.
"We now have confirmation that the Chief Magistrate is reviewing how these warrants are being issued. The only responsible response is to pause forced prepayment meters immediately, until that investigation is complete and the system is shown to be lawful, transparent and safe."
Francis emphasised the fundamental injustice: "No household should face forced entry into their home because they are in energy debt, especially when the process authorising that entry is itself under serious question."
Awaiting Ministerial Response
In a direct move to halt the practice, the coalition has written to Energy Consumers Minister Martin McCluskey, Courts and Legal Services Minister Sarah Sackman, and Ofgem Chief Executive Jonathan Brearley demanding intervention. The letter, sent on December 31, is still awaiting an official ministerial reply.
When questioned, an HM Courts and Tribunal Service spokesperson defended the process, stating: "The procedures for utility warrant applications are set out by the independent judiciary, which all courts must follow to ensure appropriate scrutiny. There is no legal requirement for uncontested warrants to be heard in open court."
The spokesperson added that warrants can involve sensitive information, but that press attendance is accommodated where possible. A judicial spokesperson confirmed: "The Chief Magistrate is investigating concerns raised and we will respond fully in due course."
Campaigners, however, remain steadfast in their demand for an immediate moratorium on all forced installation of prepayment meters until the review delivers a transparent and safe system for all.
