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Enforcement agent on a residential street in England with clipboard and van

What Can You Expect From Bailiffs After the Rule Change?

Written by admin on . Posted in Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Since April 2014, bailiffs collecting council tax debts in England and Wales have operated under strict rules set out in the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, made under Part 3 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. These regulations replaced the old “bailiff” system with a formal framework for “enforcement agents”, giving you clearer rights and protections than ever before.

What are the rules enforcement agents must follow?

Enforcement agents collecting council tax arrears must follow a clear process. They are required to give you at least seven days’ written notice before visiting your home. This notice, called a compliance notice, gives you time to pay or seek advice before things escalate.

When they do visit, enforcement agents can only call between 6am and 9pm, and they cannot force entry into your home on their first visit for council tax debts. If only a child under 16 or a vulnerable person is present, the agent must leave and return another time. They also cannot seize essential household items such as clothing, bedding, cookers, fridges or washing machines.

What fees can enforcement agents charge in 2026?

The fees enforcement agents can charge are fixed by law under the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014, as amended. Following the January 2025 fee increase, the current charges are:

  • Compliance stage (when your debt is first passed to enforcement): £84
  • Enforcement stage (when an agent visits your property): £263, plus 7.5% on any amount over £1,500
  • Sale stage (if goods are removed for sale): £124, plus 7.5% on any amount over £1,500

These fees are added on top of your existing council tax debt, so acting early before things reach the enforcement stage can save you hundreds of pounds.

Your rights if an enforcement agent visits

You have the right to ask the enforcement agent to show their identification and authorisation (the writ or warrant). You can refuse entry on their first visit for council tax debt, as they do not have the power to force their way in. If you believe the agent has acted unlawfully or aggressively, you can make a formal complaint to the enforcement company and to your local council.

Councils are also expected to follow pre-action protocols before instructing enforcement agents. This means they should consider whether you are vulnerable, offer payment plans, and signpost you to debt advice services first.

What should you do if you receive a compliance notice?

If you have received a compliance notice about unpaid council tax, do not ignore it. You have seven days to act. During this time you can contact your council to arrange a payment plan, apply for council tax reduction if your circumstances have changed, or seek free debt advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice or StepChange.

Council Tax Advisors can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Whether you need help negotiating with your council, challenging a liability order, or dealing with enforcement agents who have overstepped the mark, our team is here to support you.

Get help today

With enforcement fees now higher than ever, the cost of inaction can spiral quickly. If you are struggling with council tax arrears, get in touch with Council Tax Advisors for free, practical guidance on how to resolve your situation before it gets worse.