Skip Navigation

This is a new website – your feedback will help us improve it.

Debt and enforcement agents

Debt advice

You can get free, independent and unbiased advice over the phone:

Read our Debt Collection Charter

Bailiffs and enforcement agents

Since 6 April 2014, the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 have come into force.

The legislation ensures that Enforcement Agents (formerly bailiffs) are more accountable for their actions and sets out the procedure that Enforcement Agents must follow when taking control of goods and selling them to recover the debt.

After 6th April 2014, the Council may direct an Enforcement Agent to collect the debt on Business Rates from you if you have been given notice of a Liability Order. We may do this if you have not made or adhered to an agreed repayment plan or if we have failed to collect the debt by other means.

Before we remit your debt to the Enforcement Agent, we will send you a letter to inform you of the additional costs you may be charged if Enforcement Agents are directed to collect the debt.

To avoid your Business Taxes debt being referred to an Enforcement Agent for collection, you should contact us to discuss your arrears. We will look at your circumstances and try to negotiate a payment plan.

(01639) 686843

The new fee structure is set out below
Fee Period Fee Narrative Fixed Fee Percentage Fees (additional fee if debt exceeds £1,500)
£0 - £1,500 > £1,500
Conformity As soon as the Enforcement Agency accepts your account, this fee will be added to your debt. £75.00 0% 0%
Enforcement As soon as the Enforcement Agent attends your property, this fee will be added to your debt £235.00 0% 7.5%
Sale As soon as goods are taken to a point of sale, this fee is added to your debt £110.00 0% 7.5%

Once your account has been sent to the Enforcement Agent any payments or offers of refund should be made to the Enforcement Agent and NOT the Council.