Deal with a bailiff or enforcement agent visit

Use this guide if you have received a notice of enforcement or a letter saying bailiffs (enforcement agents) will visit, usually for council tax, parking penalties, magistrates' court fines or a county court judgment in England or Wales. You need the letter, the reference number and a quick note of your income and essential spending. Rules differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so get local advice there.

Step by step

1. Check the paperwork and who the debt is for

   Read the notice carefully: it should name the creditor (such as your council), the debt, the enforcement company, the amount including fees and a reference number. Look up the enforcement company's contact details independently rather than trusting a number in a text or email, and check the debt is yours. For most debts, a notice of enforcement should be sent before a first visit, which gives you time to act.