- Company
- Jacobs Enforcement Limited
- Group
- Controlled by ColX Limited
- Usually chase
- Council tax, business rates, parking and commercial rent
- Phone
- 0345 601 2692 (as listed by councils)
On this page
Who are Jacobs Enforcement?
Jacobs Enforcement Limited is a UK enforcement company based in Birkenhead. Companies House records show that ColX Limited became its controlling shareholder in April 2024, and that its directors also run Equita Limited and Ross & Roberts Limited, so the three firms appear to be part of one group. Its agents are certificated enforcement agents, the official name for bailiffs.
Jacobs is not the creditor. Councils such as Rotherham, South Ribble, Melton, Doncaster and East Devon list it among their agents.
Which debts do they collect?
Jacobs enforces council tax and business rates after a liability order, parking penalty charges, commercial rent arrears and some other local authority debts. Check the notice for the creditor, the debt type and the reference number.
Are Jacobs Enforcement genuine?
Ask any agent for their name, ID and certificate details and check the Certificated Bailiff Register. Simon Jacobs, a director of the company, is a senior figure at the trade body CIVEA, whose code of practice Jacobs follows. 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.
Worried about what to do?
A free adviser can check the debt, look at your whole budget and deal with Jacobs Enforcement for you. Get free debt advice.
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.
| 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.
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
- 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.
- Check the debt. Ask the council or creditor for details and check discounts, exemptions and your band. Only the creditor can withdraw the case.
- 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.
- Tell them if you are vulnerable. Illness, disability or a mental health problem should be taken into account. Send evidence.
- Get free advice. A debt adviser can speak to Jacobs Enforcement for you, and Breathing Space can pause enforcement for 60 days.
How to complain about Jacobs Enforcement
Complain to Jacobs first, by phone or in writing to its Compliance Officer, 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.
Jacobs Enforcement contact details
Jacobs Enforcement LimitedAddress: 6 Europa Boulevard, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH41 4PE
Phone: 0345 601 2692, as listed by several councils
Website: www.jacobsenforcement.com
Complaints: the Compliance Officer, at the address above
Use the contact details on your notice, as they can depend on the council.
We are not associated with Jacobs Enforcement. 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
Are Jacobs, Equita and Ross & Roberts related?
Companies House records show the three companies share directors and an address, and that Jacobs is controlled by ColX Limited, so they appear to be part of one group. Check Companies House for the current position.
Can Jacobs force entry?
Not for council tax, business rates or parking debts. You do not have to let them in.
Do they collect commercial rent?
Yes. Jacobs lists commercial rent arrears among its work, which follows different rules from council tax.
Can I pay the council instead?
Once a case has been passed to an agent, the fees are due, so ask for an up-to-date figure first.