A father is trying to take over his missing son's bank accounts to stop him spiralling into debt.

Despite being missing since February, direct debits continue to leave 34-year-old Carl Hodge's bank account. His father, Eddie Hodges, 69, wants guardianship powers so he can manage his son's financial affairs. 

His fight is being supported by the charity Missing People that is urging MPs to support legislation to give families more control over missing people’s accounts.

Mr Hodges, from Northwood, said: “The introduction of guardianship would greatly ease some of the day-to-day frustrations in actually dealing with the almost mechanical attitude of loan companies, banks and employers when you have to explain that someone is missing.

“I can understand some of the fear of legal action that these institutions could find themselves in, but sometimes it seems as though the Data Protection Act is held up to you like a shield to protect the company, rather than actually helping the families who are struggling with missing a loved one.”

More than 110,000 adults are reported missing every year and currently, families have no right to step in and manage their affairs.

In March 2015, the government announced that they were committed to introducing the necessary legislation that would allow families to apply for legal power, but there has been little progress since.

Josie Allen, policy and campaigns manager at Missing People, said:“When someone goes missing, their family are already dealing with so much emotionally.

“It is so unfair that they might also be forced to struggle with completely unnecessary financial and legal problems which can make everything worse.

“By introducing guardianship legislation the government could help families during the worst time of their life.

“Every day that this important legislation is delayed, more families struggle to manage their missing loved ones’ affairs.”

To support the campaign, visit: www.missingpeople.org.uk/guardianshipMP.