Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs)

A creditor can apply for an enforcement agent (or bailiff as most of us still call them) to collect the debt that someone owes. If confirmed, then the courts will grant permission to issue a ‘Warrant of Control’, which specifies how much is owed.

Usually there are various stages before a creditor opts to get a bailiff involved in the situation. But primarily, the sole purpose of the bailiff is to get an arrangement in place to pay the debt back in instalments.

If you are ever threatened with enforcement action or are concerned about a debt that has a County Court Judgement (CCJ) against it, then you are welcome to speak with one of our experienced priority debt team agents who can help to resolve your queries.

Below you will find the most common questions we get asked about bailiffs and some information that might be helpful.

If a bailiff visits me, do I have to let them in?

You do not have to open your door to a bailiff or let them in. They cannot enter your home by force except to collect unpaid criminal fines, Income Tax or Stamp Duty, and then it should only be as a last resort. If you do not let a bailiff in or agree to pay them they could take things from outside your home such as your vehicle and you could end up owing more money. If you are in a Debt Management Plan with us and a bailiff visits you then you should pass our details onto them and advise them to speak to us.

How can I stop the bailiff?

If the bailiff is acting for a debt which has gone to the County Court, we can apply to the court to suspend the bailiff action for you.

We will be able to assist you with completing an N245 form (application to suspend a warrant). A fee of £14 is associated normally to this document.

If the bailiff is collecting other types of debt, such as council tax arrears for example, then reaching an agreement to pay is the recommended course of action.

What sort of items can't a bailiff take?

They cannot take things you need to live – such as things you use for ‘basic domestic needs’. This includes household items, such as a washing machine, cooker, or tumble dryer. It also includes beds, bedding, or anything you need to care for a child or vulnerable person.

They also cannot take items which belong to other people (although there must be proof of this). Additionally they cannot take pets, or mobility equipment if a blue badge is presented. Tools and equipment for work and education can also not be taken by enforcement agents – up to a total value of £1,350.

What should I do if a bailiff visits?

Do not let them into your property and make us aware in the first instance you become aware of bailiff action.

Remember, they don’t need to physically enter the property to take control of goods as they can levy any goods that they can see through a window. We would recommend closing any curtains/blinds and move any high value items to somewhere they cannot be seen.

How do I complain about a bailiff?

Reasons for complaint could be things such as:

Taking goods they are not allowed to take

Using aggressive tactics to recover the debt

Failing to state which company they are collecting on behalf of

If you are unhappy with the response to the complaint, you can escalate it to a governing body, ombudsman, or courts.