Dukes Bailiffs: what they can do and how to respond

Company

Dukes Bailiffs Limited

Based

Stone, Staffordshire

Usually chase

Council tax, business rates and traffic penalties

Companies House number

04418615

Who are Dukes?

Dukes Bailiffs Limited, also known as Dukes, is a privately owned, family-run enforcement company based in Stone, Staffordshire. It works across England and Wales, and describes its services as local taxation enforcement, local authority debt collection and road traffic enforcement. It won an award at the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) awards, which means it is a CIVEA member.

Councils including Stoke-on-Trent, Walsall, Portsmouth and North Devon have appointed Dukes. It is not the creditor.

Which debts do they collect?

Dukes collects council tax, business rates and parking and traffic penalties, and some other local authority debts, after the council has obtained a liability order or court order. Check the creditor and reference on your notice.

Are Dukes genuine?

Ask any agent for their name, ID and certificate details and check the Certificated Bailiff Register. Dukes is a CIVEA member, so it follows the trade body’s code of practice. Bailiff scams exist, so do not pay anyone who texts a payment link, and use the payment details on your letter or the company’s website.

What can they charge?

Bailiff fees are set by law in the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 as amended, with new amounts from 1 May 2026. There are three stages, and each fixed fee can only be charged once, however many times the agent visits.

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.

What can they do?

Enforcement agents can take control of goods you own, and if the debt stays unpaid, remove and sell them. They cannot take essentials such as clothes, bedding or a cooker, tools of your trade up to a set value, items that belong to someone else or children’s belongings. For council tax, business rates and parking debts they can only enter peaceably, through an open door or with your permission, so you do not have to let them in. They cannot arrest you.

They may visit between 6am and 9pm. Our guide to Bristow and Sutor bailiffs covers entry, vehicles, clamping and getting goods back in full.

What to do now

1. Act at the compliance stage. For cases passed on or after 1 May 2026, you now get at least 14 clear days’ notice before an agent can take control of goods, and creditors can accept a payment plan in that time. Fees rise at each stage, so the earliest contact is the cheapest.
2. Check the debt. Ask the council or creditor for details and check discounts, exemptions and your band. Only the creditor can withdraw the case.
3. Offer a realistic plan. Base it on an honest budget and get it in writing. A plan you cannot keep can lead to more fees.
4. Tell them if you are vulnerable. Illness, disability or a mental health problem should be taken into account. Send evidence.
5. Get free advice. A debt adviser can speak to Dukes for you, and Breathing Space can pause enforcement for 60 days.

How to complain about Dukes

Complain to Dukes first, in writing, and keep copies. If you are not satisfied, or the firm 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 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.

Dukes contact details

We are not associated with Dukes. This information is provided to help people contact their creditors. Contact details change, so check the company’s website before you write or call. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions