- Official name
- Enforcement agents
- Fees from 1 May 2026
- £79, £247 and £116 for new cases
- Notice period
- At least 14 clear days for new cases
- Entry
- They cannot force entry for most debts
On this page
Types of bailiff
- Certificated enforcement agents, who work for private companies, mainly for councils.
- County court bailiffs, who enforce certain county court orders.
- High Court enforcement officers, who enforce larger judgments transferred to the High Court.
- Approved enforcement agents, who recover magistrates’ court fines.
All must be certificated or authorised. You can check them on the Certificated Bailiff Register.
When can bailiffs get involved?
For most debts they can only act after a court order or a council’s liability order. They commonly chase council tax, business rates, parking and traffic penalties, magistrates’ court fines and county court judgments. They cannot act on an ordinary unpaid credit card or loan unless a court has made an order. See our CCJ guide.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
What they can and cannot do
- They can take control of goods you own, and sell them if the debt stays unpaid.
- They cannot take essentials such as clothes, bedding, a cooker, or tools of your trade up to a set value, or items that belong to someone else.
- For most debts they can only enter peaceably, through an open door or with your permission, and cannot force entry on a first visit. You do not have to let them in.
- They may visit between 6am and 9pm.
- They cannot arrest you.
What they can charge
Fees are set by law, with three stages and new amounts from 1 May 2026 for cases passed on or after that date.
| Stage | What it covers | Fixed fee | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | The notice of enforcement sent by post | £79 | None |
| Enforcement | Visiting to take control of goods | £247 | 7.5% of debt over £1,900 |
| Sale or disposal | Removing and selling goods | £116 | 7.5% of debt over £1,900 |
These amounts apply to cases passed to an agent on or after 1 May 2026. Earlier cases keep the older fees of £75, £235 and £110, with the percentage applying above £1,500. Each fixed fee can only be charged once.
The notice of enforcement
The first step is a notice of enforcement, which starts the compliance stage. For cases passed on or after 1 May 2026, the agent must give at least 14 clear days’ notice before taking control of goods. Creditors can accept a payment plan in this period, so it is the cheapest moment to act.
What to do
- Open all letters and act at the compliance stage.
- Check the debt with the council or creditor.
- Agree a payment plan you can keep, in writing.
- Tell the agent if you are vulnerable and send evidence.
- Get free advice, and ask about Breathing Space, which can pause enforcement.
Our stop bailiffs guide and council tax debt guide cover more.
Complaining
Complaints about enforcement agents now follow this route: complain to the company first, which should respond within 10 working days. If you are not satisfied, or it has not dealt with your complaint fairly or on time, you can take it to the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), whose complaints adjudication service has taken new escalated complaints about agents and firms since 1 January 2025. For council tax and parking debts you can also go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in England, or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The trade body CIVEA no longer considers complaints about its members. High Court enforcement officers also have a complaints process through the High Court Enforcement Officers Association. You can raise serious conduct concerns with the court that certificated the agent, and tell the creditor, such as the council, which can pause or recall a case.
Guides to individual enforcement companies
Each guide covers who the company is, which debts it collects, its fees, your rights and how to complain.
More company guides are being added. If you have been contacted by a debt collector rather than a bailiff, see our debt collectors advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can bailiffs come in without my permission?
Not for most debts. For council tax, parking and similar debts they can only enter peacefully, so you do not have to let them in.
Can they take my car?
Yes if you own it, but not a vehicle on finance, and not a vehicle used by a Blue Badge holder in some cases. Our Bristow and Sutor guide explains the rules.
How many times can they visit?
There is no fixed limit. The idea that they can only visit three times is a myth.
Can I stop bailiffs by paying the council?
Once the notice of enforcement has been sent, the fees are due, so ask the agent for an up-to-date figure before you pay.
What if I am vulnerable?
Tell the agent and the creditor straight away and send evidence. Agents should take it into account.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.