Category: Debt Collection and Enforcement
Vehicle Seizure: Legal Overview and Your Rights
What is Vehicle Seizure? Vehicle seizure is when a bailiff (also known as an enforcement agent) takes control of your car or other vehicle to recover unpaid debts. This process is a legal method used by bailiffs in the UK to enforce court orders or certain types of debts, such as unpaid council tax, parking…
What Bailiffs Can Legally Take and What Is Protected
Introduction to Bailiff Powers Introduction to Bailiff Powers Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are individuals authorised to collect certain types of debts on behalf of creditors. Their main role is to recover money owed by visiting your home or business and, if necessary, seizing goods to sell and repay the debt. Bailiffs may be…
How to Prevent Vehicle Repossession by Bailiffs in the UK
Understanding Vehicle Repossession Vehicle repossession in the UK is a legal process where a bailiff or enforcement agent takes your vehicle to help recover unpaid debts. This usually happens when you fall behind on certain types of payments, such as unpaid court fines, council tax, or parking penalties, and other attempts to collect the debt…
Bailiff Right of Entry: When Can They Legally Enter?
Understanding Bailiff Right of Entry Understanding Bailiff Right of Entry When you owe money and haven’t paid, creditors may send bailiffs (also known as enforcement agents) to collect the debt. The term “right of entry” refers to the legal circumstances under which bailiffs are allowed to enter your home or business premises to recover what…
What Fees Can Bailiffs Charge? Your Rights Explained
Introduction to Bailiff Fees Introduction to Bailiff Fees Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are individuals authorised to collect certain types of debts in England and Wales. They may be instructed by courts, local authorities, or private creditors to recover unpaid debts such as council tax arrears, court fines, or outstanding business rates. Bailiffs have…
Bailiff Risk Assessments: Your Rights and How to Prepare
What Are Bailiff Risk Assessments? What Are Bailiff Risk Assessments? Bailiff risk assessments are checks that must be carried out by bailiffs before they visit your home to collect a debt. These assessments are designed to identify any factors that could affect the safety of both you and the bailiff during the visit. By law,…
Your Rights and Protections as a Vulnerable Debtor in the UK
Understanding Vulnerable Debtors Understanding who qualifies as a vulnerable debtor is crucial when it comes to fair and ethical debt collection in the UK. In legal terms, a vulnerable debtor is someone whose personal circumstances mean they may find it harder to manage debt or deal with debt collectors, such as bailiffs. Recognising vulnerability ensures…
How Breathing Space Moratorium Protects You From Bailiffs
What is a Breathing Space Moratorium? A Breathing Space Moratorium is a legal scheme in the UK designed to give people struggling with problem debt a temporary pause from most types of debt enforcement action. Introduced under the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) Regulations 2020, this tool can provide…
How to Apply for a Stay of Enforcement on Bailiffs
Understanding Court Applications to Stay Enforcement Understanding Court Applications to Stay Enforcement A court application to stay enforcement is a legal process that allows you to ask the court to temporarily pause bailiff actions taken to recover a debt. In practical terms, a "stay of enforcement" means that any steps bailiffs might take – such…
How to Negotiate a Payment Plan With Bailiffs Safely
Understanding Bailiffs and Your Rights Bailiffs, also known as enforcement agents, are individuals authorised to collect certain types of debts on behalf of creditors. Their main role is to recover money owed after a court order has been issued, such as for council tax arrears, unpaid fines, or other civil debts. Unlike debt collectors, bailiffs…
