Fresh Start Debt Support
Understand Notice of Enforcement, fees & stages, your rights, and how to set an affordable plan that stops escalation.
✅ Start Free Bristow & Sutor CheckQuick answer: If Bristow & Sutor have written, texted or visited, you still have options. Build a realistic budget, prefer written contact, consider Breathing Space, and set a defendable payment plan (or a formal solution if eligible). Fixed fees are applied at each stage (Compliance, Enforcement, Sale) and you shouldn’t agree to unaffordable amounts at the door.
Start My Free Bristow & Sutor CheckBristow & Sutor are enforcement agents (bailiffs) commonly instructed by UK local authorities to collect council tax arrears and parking/traffic penalties (PCNs). When a council obtains a liability order (council tax) or a PCN progresses, an enforcement firm can be appointed to recover the debt and fees under the Taking Control of Goods regulations.
The regulations set fixed fees per stage. For most local-authority debts (not High Court writs), the standard schedule is:
Figures reflect the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations and are also shown in HMRC’s fee table. Different rules apply for High Court enforcement. These fees are added to the balance, so acting at Compliance stage can be cheaper.
What the Notice of Enforcement Means
Source basis: HMRC manual (Taking Control of Goods fees) and National Standards/authority guidance.
The Notice of Enforcement starts the Compliance stage and sets a deadline to respond or pay. If you set a realistic arrangement before a visit, you may avoid Enforcement fees. Keep the letter, envelope and any texts for your records.
Enforcement agents must follow clear standards on identification, conduct, hours and dealing with vulnerable people. For council tax/PCNs, forced entry is generally not allowed on a first visit. You can speak through a closed door and request written communication. If you’re vulnerable (health, disability, recent bereavement, pregnancy, single parent without support, etc.), ask for reasonable adjustments and help in writing.
A CGA lists goods “under control” to secure repayments. Don’t sign under pressure. Only sign if the plan is truly affordable and you understand the implications.
“I’m seeking debt advice and will respond in writing with an affordable proposal. Please note that I do not consent to entry.”
More Scripts & TemplatesVisits can feel intimidating. You can keep the door closed, ask for ID through the window/letterbox, and request communications in writing. If you’re not home, keep any cards left and don’t rush into a high repayment over the phone. Build the budget first.
Tell us what happened. We’ll help stabilise the situation and set a plan you can actually keep.
I’ve Had a Visit — Help MeVehicles can be taken if they’re not exempt and are accessible, but cars used for work or essential needs may be protected within limits. Keep proof of use (e.g., employer letter, invoices, disability/medical evidence). Don’t sign a CGA that risks essential transport without advice.
Discuss safe steps with us first — the aim is to avoid escalation by agreeing an affordable, defendable plan early.
Standard Breathing Space can give 60 days’ protection from most enforcement and interest while you work with a debt adviser. There’s also Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space with extended protection during treatment. You’ll still need to keep up ongoing priority bills where possible.
Ask About Breathing SpaceIf you also have credit cards, loans, catalogues/BNPL, overdrafts, energy or HMRC arrears, it can be easier to manage everything together.
One monthly payment shared across creditors. Many creditors reduce or freeze interest (not guaranteed). Flexible if income changes.
Formal, legally binding. You pay what’s affordable for an agreed term; remaining eligible unsecured debt may be written off on completion. Strong protections once approved.
For low income/low assets within strict criteria. Debts are usually written off after 12 months if your situation doesn’t improve.
See Compare Solutions for a side-by-side view, then get a tailored recommendation.
Get My Personalised PlanFor council tax and PCNs, forced entry is generally not the default on a first visit. Keep doors closed, stay polite, and use written contact. If you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement or they are returning to take controlled goods, rules change — get advice quickly.
Compliance £75 (Notice of Enforcement). Enforcement £235 + 7.5% over £1,500. Sale/Disposal £110 + 7.5% over £1,500. Different rules apply to High Court enforcement. Acting early can prevent later-stage fees.
It’s a written notice that starts the Compliance stage and sets a deadline to respond or pay. If you set a realistic arrangement before a visit, you may avoid Enforcement fees.
A CGA is a list of goods an agent says are “under control” to secure payments. Don’t sign under pressure — only if the plan is affordable and you understand the implications.
Standard Breathing Space can pause most enforcement for 60 days while you get debt advice. There’s also Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space with enhanced protection. You’ll still need to pay ongoing priority bills where possible.
Vehicles can be taken if not exempt and accessible, but cars used for work or essential needs may be protected within limits. Keep proof and get advice before signing a Controlled Goods Agreement.
Some work vehicles may be exempt or protected within limits. Keep evidence of essential use and discuss options before signing anything.
Ask for ID and a written Notice of Enforcement, keep copies, and confirm with the council. A Notice should give 7 clear days before a first visit. Prefer written replies with a budget-based offer.
The Ministry of Justice has indicated an intention to uplift bailiff fees by around 5% following consultation. Check current rules at the time you act.
Complain to the enforcement company in writing, then the instructing authority (usually the council), and escalate to the relevant ombudsman if unresolved. Keep a full log of contacts and evidence.
Debt solutions can affect credit. Many households prioritise stability and reduced stress over short-term scoring. We’ll explain the trade-offs so you can choose confidently.
Propose a figure based on a realistic budget, not what’s demanded on the spot. Written offers + evidence of affordability work best.
Standard fixed fees remain at £75 (Compliance), £235 (Enforcement) and £110 (Sale) with 7.5% over £1,500 at Enforcement/Sale (different for High Court). Act at Compliance to limit costs.
They are a long-standing enforcement company used by local authorities. You still have rights and don’t have to accept unaffordable terms.
Keep the door closed, speak politely, request written contact, and set a realistic offer after budgeting. Ask about Breathing Space if you qualify.
Tell them (in writing) about any vulnerability and request reasonable adjustments. We’ll help you word it and include supporting evidence.
If behaviour is unacceptable, complain in writing to Bristow & Sutor first, then the council that instructed them, and escalate to the relevant ombudsman if needed. Keep a log (dates, names, promises, letters) and attach evidence. Standards for identification, behaviour and hours are set in the National Standards for Enforcement Agents.
Send complaints by email and keep a PDF copy. A tidy paper trail gets faster results.
We’ll walk you through these so you know your rights and the safest route.
We’ll help you stabilise essentials, reduce contact pressure, and set a plan you can keep. No judgment — just clear steps that work.
Start My Free Bristow & Sutor CheckBefore you respond, verify the contact and keep a clean evidence trail:
Standards/rights: GOV.UK National Standards for Enforcement Agents; Notice timing: Citizens Advice.
Have Us Verify Your LetterFor council tax and PCNs, agents generally arrange visits during standard hours. Keep the door closed, speak politely through the door/letterbox, and request written communication. If you’re classed as vulnerable (health, disability, bereavement, pregnancy, language barriers, etc.), ask for reasonable adjustments and extra time in writing.
“I’m seeking debt advice and will reply in writing with an affordable proposal. I don’t consent to entry. Please leave any documents through the letterbox.”
Ask About 60-Day Breathing SpaceConduct & vulnerability handling: National Standards (MoJ). Breathing Space scheme overview: National Debtline.
Why this matters: setting a realistic arrangement during Compliance can avoid later fees. Don’t over-promise; use a budget sheet to evidence affordability.
Fee basis: Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regs as summarised by Citizens Advice. Consultation: MoJ’s 2025 response indicates intention to uplift by 5% (not yet in force at time of writing).
Build a Defendable OfferCouncils usually seek a liability order before instructing enforcement agents. You’ll then receive a Notice of Enforcement with a deadline to respond.
Unpaid PCNs progress through statutory notices. Once registered and passed to enforcement, similar stages/fees apply. Timings differ from council tax — respond in writing and budget first.
Council Tax Help PCN & Collector ScriptsVehicles can be taken if not exempt and accessible, but cars used for work or essential needs can be protected within limits. Keep evidence (employer letter, invoices, medical/disability documentation). If your car was clamped, contact us before signing anything.
Controlled Goods rules & agreements: Citizens Advice.
Subject: [Your name] – Account/Ref [ref] – Affordable Payment Proposal Dear Bristow & Sutor, I’m seeking debt advice. Based on my budget (attached), I can afford £[amount]/month. Please confirm bank details and that further enforcement is paused while this is reviewed. Kind regards, [Your name] [Address] [Ref]
Subject: Vulnerability disclosure – request for reasonable adjustments Dear Bristow & Sutor, I’m considered vulnerable due to [health/bereavement/disability/etc]. Please: • Use written communication • Allow extra time for advice • Consider a reduced/paused arrangement Kind regards, [Your name] [Evidence note if available]
Subject: Formal complaint – conduct on [date] – Ref [ref] Dear Bristow & Sutor, [Specific issue, evidence] Please acknowledge and respond within 10 working days. If unresolved I’ll escalate to the instructing authority and relevant ombudsman. Kind regards, [Your name]
Conduct & vulnerability expectations: National Standards; notice/fees: Citizens Advice pages.
No. Respond in writing with a budget-based offer first. Don’t agree to unaffordable doorstep amounts.
After 7 clear days (not counting the delivery day). Use that time to set a realistic plan. Citizens Advice.
Don’t panic. You can still request changes or complain if you were pressured. Get advice quickly. Citizens Advice.
The MoJ has indicated an intention to uplift fees by ~5% following consultation. Always check the latest status. MoJ consultation response.