The way in which bailiffs are regulated will be overhauled in a bid to clamp down on threatening behaviour and privacy issues.
Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly said the move would help protect vulnerable people and ensure that bailiffs carry out their work professionally.
Under the proposals, the Government could ban the use of force against people and set out exactly when and how force may be used to enter premises.
New national standards to ensure bailiffs are fit to operate could also be brought in.
"Too many people have experienced intrusive, expensive and stressful bailiff action and more often than not the public do not hold bailiffs in high regard, despite the fact most bailiffs carry out their work professionally," Mr Djanogly said.
"Last month we announced the first stage of reforms with new national standards and we are now unveiling plans for legally-binding changes that will clamp down on bad practices.
"We want to restore balance to the system, improve clarity for both debtors and creditors, strengthen protection for vulnerable people and ensure that individuals, business and Government are able to collect the debts they are owed - but in a way that is fair and regulated by law."
The updated standards will include minimum levels of behaviour, including that bailiffs must not behave in a threatening manner or use unlawful force to gain access to a home or business, that they should avoid discussing the debt with anyone except the person owing money, and that they must withdraw when only a child is present.
The new legally-binding regulatory regime, which includes new rules around the modes and times of entry, which goods are exempt, and what fees bailiffs can charge for the range of debts they collect for local government, courts and businesses also form part of the government's consultation.