Skip to main content
Residential street in England with terraced houses and front doors relating to bailiff enforcement visits

Bailiff Charges Explained: Rules Enforcement Agents Must Follow

Written by admin on . Posted in Council Tax.

When a council tax debt is passed to bailiffs (officially called enforcement agents), many people feel overwhelmed and unsure of their rights. Understanding exactly what bailiffs can and cannot charge, and the rules they must follow, puts you in a much stronger position if you ever face a visit.

The Taking Control of Goods Regulations

The rules governing bailiff behaviour in England and Wales are set out in the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, which came into force in April 2014. These regulations replaced the old, fragmented system with a single, clear framework that applies to all enforcement agents collecting most types of debt, including council tax.

Before these regulations existed, bailiff fees varied wildly and there was little consistency in how enforcement agents operated. The 2013 regulations introduced fixed fee stages, making it much easier to know what you should be paying.

What Can Bailiffs Charge?

Bailiff fees for council tax debt follow a three-stage structure:

  • Compliance stage : a fixed fee of £75. This covers the initial notice sent to you, giving at least 7 days’ warning before a visit.
  • Enforcement stage : a fixed fee of £235 (plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,500). This applies once an enforcement agent attends your property.
  • Sale or disposal stage : a fixed fee of £110 (plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,500). This only applies if goods are actually removed and sold.

If a bailiff tries to charge you anything outside this fee structure, you have grounds to challenge it. You should never be asked to pay fees that do not fall within these regulated stages.

Rules Bailiffs Must Follow When Visiting

Enforcement agents are bound by strict rules about how and when they can visit your home:

  • They can only visit between 6am and 9pm (unless collecting debts from commercial premises).
  • They must not enter a property where only children under 16 or vulnerable people are present.
  • They must give you at least 7 days’ written notice before their first visit.
  • They cannot force entry to your home for council tax debt. Peaceful entry through an unlocked door is permitted on a return visit, but they cannot break down doors or climb through windows.
  • They cannot take essential household items such as cookers, fridges, washing machines, beds, bedding, or items needed for the basic domestic needs of you and your family.
  • They cannot take items belonging to someone else, only goods that belong to the debtor.
  • If goods are seized, they must wait at least 7 days before selling them, giving you time to pay or challenge the action.

What to Do if a Bailiff Breaks the Rules

If you believe an enforcement agent has overcharged you or acted outside their powers, there are several steps you can take. You can make a formal complaint to the bailiff company, report them to the creditor (usually your local council), or apply to the court for the fees to be assessed.

Keeping a written record of every interaction is important. Note the date, time, what was said, and any fees demanded. This evidence strengthens your position if you need to escalate a complaint.

Get Professional Help With Bailiff Issues

Dealing with bailiffs over council tax debt can be stressful, but knowing your rights makes a real difference. If you are facing enforcement action or believe you have been treated unfairly, Council Tax Advisors can help you understand your options. Contact us today for free, independent guidance on how to handle your situation.