Clear, up-to-date fees for each stage: Compliance £75 → Enforcement £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 → Sale £110 + 7.5%. Know what triggers fees, how to avoid extra costs, and options to stop enforcement.
✅ Free 60–90s Bailiff CheckIf you’ve had a Notice of Enforcement or a visit from an enforcement agent (bailiff), understanding the fee stages helps you act quickly and avoid extra costs. Below are the standard stages in England & Wales and what typically triggers each one.
Letter/Notice of Enforcement. You usually get 7 clear days to respond before a visit.
Fixed fee: £75
First visit to your home or business if no arrangement is made during Compliance.
Fixed fee: £235 + 7.5% of the amount over £1,500.
First visit to remove/sell goods if no agreement or if a plan is broken.
Fixed fee: £110 + 7.5% of the amount over £1,500.
Heads-up: High Court enforcement follows a different staged scale (with additional fees per stage). If your papers mention a Writ of Control, see the High Court section below.
Estimate only. Actual fees depend on your paperwork and circumstances. Ask for an itemised breakdown if unsure.
The process usually starts with a Notice of Enforcement (Compliance stage). Bailiffs must wait at least 7 clear days after serving the notice before attempting a visit (Sundays and bank holidays don’t count). Use this time to:
Wondering if they can visit your home? Get clarity here: Can Debt Collectors Come to Your House? (difference vs bailiffs explained).
Arrange Affordable PlanCompliance: £75 → If you arrange and pay at this stage, you avoid further fees.
If it goes to Enforcement: +£235 (no 7.5% because under £1,500). Total fees: £310.
Compliance: £75
Enforcement: £235 + 7.5% on the portion over £1,500 (= £112.50). Total enforcement fee £347.50.
Compliance: £75
Enforcement: £235 + 7.5% of £3,500 = £497.50 → £732.50
Sale: £110 + 7.5% of £3,500 = £262.50 → £372.50
Total fees if it reaches Sale: £1,180 (plus any allowed disbursements).
Disbursements: Reasonable extra costs (e.g., storage, auctioneer, locksmith) may be added with evidence. Ask for a full fee breakdown if anything looks wrong.
Read Newlyn GuideIf your paperwork mentions a Writ of Control (High Court), the staging and fees differ to standard civil enforcement. There’s still a Compliance £75, but enforcement then adds specific High Court stages and fees. Not sure which track you’re on? Upload your letter and we’ll check.
Tell the firm if you’re dealing with illness, disability, pregnancy, recent bereavement or have children at home. Enforcement agents should apply additional safeguards once vulnerability is identified. If treatment is inappropriate, complain and ask for a hold while your case is reviewed.
Know My RightsPaying escalating fees can drain your budget. For many households, it’s smarter to stabilise essentials and move to a managed route:
Compliance (£75) is usually per case (e.g., per liability order). Enforcement fees are generally applied once per visit, not duplicated across linked cases on the same visit.
No. Sundays and bank holidays don’t count towards the 7 clear days after a Notice of Enforcement.
Not on a first visit. Speak through the door, keep it closed, and try to agree an affordable plan.
Statutory stage fees are fixed by regulation. Some additional costs (e.g., storage/auctioneer) may include VAT. Ask for a breakdown.
Fees added at a stage usually stay in place, but you can challenge errors and prevent further fees by acting early.
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