Charlie Spokes (Head of Specialist Solutions) at Orbis Protect and Eric Roe (Managing Director, High Court Enforcement Officer) at Wilson & Roe delivered an in depth overview of the growing Freeman of the Land movement and how they can pose a risk to mortgage lenders and receivers.
 
Key points:
 
The Freeman of the Land movement originated in Canada in the early 2000s.
 
Their core belief is that they are only bound by certain contracts or laws. They argue against the payment of Council tax or their mortgage. This is causing a big issue for mortgage lenders.
 
Lenders are being obstructed from evicting these individuals, as they are inundating the Court and all involved with paperwork and various claims to deter them from recovering the property.
 
Due to their aggressive and persistent conduct, County Court Bailiffs are finding it challenging to successfully evict on these cases. Transferring them to the High Court for enforcement is therefore recommended, as these cases must be handled with extreme care and the appropriate resource. Confidentiality and discretion must also be employed to ensure everyone is protected.
 
Orbis, in collaboration with Wilson & Roe High Court Enforcement have created a response package to meet the challenges that this movement has brought to the market and with their numbers rising, and operation becoming more complex, early engagement with your legal advisor is recommended.
 
Orbis and Wilson & Roe are on hand if you have any questions or would like to discuss your case.