- Company
- Penham Excel Limited
- Companies House number
- 03858546
- Usually chase
- Council tax, business rates and parking penalty charges
- Welfare
- Has a dedicated welfare team
On this page
Who are Penham Excel?
Penham Excel Limited is an enforcement company with a registered office in Birmingham. It describes itself as a provider of enforcement services, previously known as bailiffs, operating throughout England and Wales. Its documents refer to both high court enforcement officers and certificated enforcement agents. It is not the same company as Excel Civil Enforcement Limited, which is based in Colwyn Bay.
Penham Excel is not the creditor. Councils such as North Hertfordshire appoint it for penalty charge notices and other debts.
Which debts do they collect?
Penham Excel collects council tax and business rates after a liability order, parking penalty charges and other local authority debts. It says its welfare team deals with vulnerable people and that it monitors body-worn camera footage.
Are Penham Excel genuine?
Ask any agent for their name, ID and certificate details and check the Certificated Bailiff Register. Penham Excel’s leadership writes in the CIVEA magazine, but check CIVEA’s member list for its current status. 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 Penham Excel 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 Penham Excel for you, and Breathing Space can pause enforcement for 60 days.
How to complain about Penham Excel
Complain to Penham Excel 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.
Penham Excel contact details
Penham Excel LimitedRegistered office: 59-61 Charlotte Street, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham, B3 1PX
Companies House number: 03858546
Use the phone number on your notice, as it can depend on the council.
We are not associated with Penham Excel. 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
Is Penham Excel the same as Excel Civil Enforcement?
No. They are separate companies, with different registered offices and company numbers.
Does Penham Excel have a welfare team?
Yes. Its council documents describe a welfare team led by directors. Send evidence if you or someone at home is vulnerable.
Can Penham Excel force entry?
Not for council tax, business rates or parking debts. You do not have to let them in.
Does Penham Excel collect parking fines?
Yes. Councils use it for penalty charge notices after a warrant is granted by the Traffic Enforcement Centre.