Enforcement agent at front door of British house

Bailiffs: What Can They Actually Do in 2026?

If you owe council tax, you may be wondering what bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) can legally do when they turn up at your door. The reality is often very different from what they tell you. Knowing your rights is your best defence.

Can Bailiffs Force Entry Into Your Home?

In most cases, bailiffs are not allowed to force their way into your home. They can only use reasonable force if they have a specific court order or if you have previously allowed them inside during an earlier visit.

If they only hold a liability order for unpaid council tax, they have no right to break in, push past you or enter through a window. The key rule: do not let them inside, and do not open the door.

What Fees Can Bailiffs Charge?

Enforcement agents are allowed to add fees, but these can only be applied once per account. If you owe arrears for a single year, you should only see one set of charges. The current fee structure is:

Compliance stage: £75 once your case is passed to the enforcement agent
Enforcement stage: £235 if a bailiff visits your property, plus 7.5% on debts over £1,500
Sale of goods stage: £110 if items are removed or prepared for sale, plus 7.5% on debts over £1,500

If you owe arrears for multiple years, each year may attract its own set of fees.

Can Bailiffs Take Your Car?

If you fully own your vehicle (not on finance, hire purchase or a logbook loan), bailiffs do have the power to clamp and remove it to recover unpaid council tax. The vehicle will be returned once the debt is cleared.

Parking on your driveway or at a neighbour’s address will not protect your car. If you own a vehicle, keep it well away from the property and out of sight. If a bailiff incorrectly clamps a vehicle that belongs to someone else or is on finance, you should complain to the council and the enforcement agency immediately.

Threats of Locksmiths and Removal Vans

Bailiffs frequently threaten to return with a locksmith and removal trucks. In the vast majority of council tax cases, this is an intimidation tactic. They can only enter with a locksmith if they have a court order specifically granting forced entry, which is rare for standard council tax debt.

If a bailiff says they are coming back with a van, do not panic. Keep your doors locked, do not engage with them, and contact us for free advice.

Your Key Rights When Bailiffs Visit

Keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Never allow a bailiff or enforcement agent inside your property. If they do turn up, do not engage with them directly. Call us instead.

Every case is different, but our advisors can contact the council and enforcement agent on your behalf, put enforcement action on hold for up to 28 days, and negotiate an affordable repayment plan for you.

Get Free Bailiff Advice Today

If bailiffs are chasing you for council tax debt, you do not have to deal with it alone. Our specialist advisors provide free advice and mediation services across England and Wales. We have helped thousands of people resolve their council tax and bailiff issues.

Get Free Help Today