Council Tax Bailiff Complaints: How to Report Bad Behaviour

Updated for 2026

Council tax bailiff complaints are on the rise across England and Wales, with thousands of households reporting aggressive or unlawful behaviour by enforcement agents each year. If you have experienced this first hand, you are not alone, and there are clear steps you can take to hold bailiffs accountable.

What Counts as Bad Bailiff Behaviour?

Since April 2014, the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 have set strict rules on how enforcement agents (the official term for bailiffs) must conduct themselves when collecting council tax debt. Despite these regulations, reports of misconduct remain common. Bad behaviour includes:

• Attempting to force entry into your home, which is not permitted for council tax debt on a first visit
• Using threatening or intimidating language
• Visiting at unreasonable hours (enforcement agents can only visit between 6am and 9pm)
• Refusing to show identification or proper documentation
• Claiming they have powers they do not actually hold
• Trying to seize items that are legally exempt, such as essential household goods, clothing, or tools of the trade
• Charging fees above the fixed amounts set out in law

Your Rights When Dealing with Council Tax Bailiffs

Understanding your rights is the single most important thing you can do. Under Part 3 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations:

• Bailiffs must give you at least seven days’ written notice (a “Notice of Enforcement”) before their first visit
• You do not have to open the door, and for council tax debt, they cannot force entry on a first visit
• They must carry written authorisation and show it if you ask
• They cannot take goods belonging to someone else in the household
• There are fixed bailiff fees at each stage of enforcement, and they cannot charge more than the regulated amounts

If a bailiff has already visited and you are unsure whether they acted within their powers, our guide on what bailiffs can and cannot do covers this in detail.

How to Make a Complaint About a Bailiff

If you believe a bailiff has acted unlawfully or unprofessionally, you should follow these steps:

1. Write down everything that happened as soon as possible, including dates, times, names, and what was said or done
2. Complain directly to the enforcement company in writing, keeping a copy of your letter or email
3. If the bailiff was collecting council tax debt, complain to your local council as well, since they are the ones who instructed the enforcement agent
4. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can escalate to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
5. For certificated enforcement agents, you can apply to the court that issued the certificate to have it reviewed

Council Tax Arrears: Getting Help Before Bailiffs Arrive

The best time to act is before enforcement action begins. If you are struggling with council tax arrears, your council has a duty to consider your circumstances and may agree to a manageable payment plan. You may also qualify for a council tax reduction that could lower your bill.

Once a liability order has been granted, the council can instruct enforcement agents, but even at this stage, you still have rights. Do not ignore letters or visits, as engaging early gives you the strongest position.

Get Free Advice on Council Tax Bailiff Complaints

Dealing with aggressive or dishonest bailiffs can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to handle it alone. Council Tax Advisors provides free, independent guidance on your rights, how to challenge unfair enforcement, and how to resolve council tax debt. Contact CTA today for support.