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Bailiff & Debt Firms

Bailiff & Debt Firms: Who They Are and Your Rights

Not all firms chasing a debt are bailiffs. Here's the difference between enforcement agents and debt collectors — and your rights with each.

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This guide covers the rules in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different enforcement systems.

If a firm has contacted you about a debt, the first and most useful question is: what kind of firm is it? There's a world of difference between an enforcement agent (a bailiff, who can attend your home under a court order) and a debt collector or purchaser (who can only ask you to pay). This page explains the difference and links to guidance on the specific firms people ask about most.

The key difference

  • Enforcement agents (bailiffs) act under a court order — but for most debts, including council tax, they still can't force entry.
  • Debt collectors and purchasers are not bailiffs — they can't enter your home or take goods, only ask for payment.
  • A debt collector can only escalate by going to court for a CCJ first.
  • Whoever is contacting you, your rights and the fee rules are the same across firms.

Enforcement agents (bailiffs)

These firms are certificated enforcement agents, usually collecting council tax, traffic penalties or court debts. The rules on entry, goods and fees apply to all of them.

Marston (Marston Recovery)Enforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Bristow & SutorEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.CDER GroupEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.DCBL (Direct Collection Bailiffs)Enforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Dukes BailiffsEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.EquitaEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Jacobs EnforcementEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.NewlynEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.RundlesEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Ross & RobertsEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Excel Civil EnforcementEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.Wilson & RoeEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.RossendalesEnforcement agent — your rights, fees and how to deal with them.
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Debt collectors & purchasers

These firms buy or chase debts but have no bailiff powers. They can only ask you to pay, and must go to court for a judgment before any enforcement is possible.

LowellDebt collector / purchaser — not a bailiff. What they can and can't do.Cabot FinancialDebt collector / purchaser — not a bailiff. What they can and can't do.Moorcroft (Moorcroft Debt Recovery)Debt collector / purchaser — not a bailiff. What they can and can't do.CCS CollectDebt collector / purchaser — not a bailiff. What they can and can't do.Overdales SolicitorsDebt collector / purchaser — not a bailiff. What they can and can't do.

Whichever firm you're dealing with, an IVA or DRO can deal with the debt behind the contact.

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Related guides

Can Bailiffs Force Entry? →Your Rights With Bailiffs →How to Stop Council Tax Bailiffs →