Understand Notice of Enforcement, fees & stages, your rights, car clamp rules, 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.
Bristow & 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.
Independent explainers and local-authority pages confirm these routes and fee stages.
Have Us Check Your Bristow & Sutor LetterThe regulations set fixed fees per stage for most local-authority debts (not High Court writs):
These fees are added to the balance, so acting at Compliance stage can be cheaper. Following a 2025 MoJ consultation, a 5% uplift intention to fixed fees was announced — always check the current position before acting.
This quick helper illustrates the standard Enforcement fee formula only (not High Court or disbursements). For an exact figure, use written confirmation.
Further reading: Council Tax Debt, Stop Debt Collectors, Compare Solutions.
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.
A Notice should give 7 clear days before a first visit (excluding the day of delivery, the visit day, Sundays and bank holidays).
Send a Proper Response (We’ll Help)Enforcement agents must follow standards on ID, 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.”
See Stop Debt Collectors and Breathing Space for added protection.
Tell Us If You’re VulnerableVisits can feel intimidating. 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.
Learn more: Stop Debt Collectors and Council Tax Debt.
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.
If clamped, seek advice before signing anything; check exemptions (work/medical). See scripts & letters.
Check If My Car Is ExemptStandard Breathing Space can provide up to 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.
Read: Breathing Space, plus Compare Solutions to pick a long-term route.
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 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.
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 CGA.
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.
The MoJ indicated an intention to uplift fixed fees by ~5% following consultation. Always check current status.
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.
No. Respond in writing with a budget-based offer first. Don’t agree to unaffordable doorstep amounts.
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.
Start My Complaint TrailWe’ll walk you through these so you know your rights and the safest route.
Share My Letter & Get HelpAfter a Notice, bailiffs must wait 7 full days before visiting (not counting the day you get the notice, the visit day, Sundays or bank holidays). Use this time to send a budget-based offer in writing.
Only if the plan is genuinely affordable and you understand the implications. If pressured, request time to seek advice and keep the door closed.
Some work vehicles may be protected within limits. Keep evidence of essential use (employer letter/invoices) and discuss alternatives before agreeing to a CGA.
Get advice quickly. You can still request changes or complain if you were pressured — and present a revised, defendable budget.
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]
Also read Stop Debt Collectors for scripts you can adapt.
Email These Templates for MeBefore you respond, verify the contact and keep a clean evidence trail:
If anything looks off, write to the council and the firm the same day and ask for a hold while you seek 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.”
Need breathing room? See Breathing Space.
Ask About 60-Day Breathing SpaceWhy this matters: set a realistic arrangement during Compliance to avoid later fees. Don’t over-promise; use a budget sheet to evidence affordability.
Check current fee rules and any uplift status before acting.
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 move through statutory notices. Once registered and passed to enforcement, similar stages/fees apply — timings differ from council tax.
If multiple debts exist, consolidating into a single plan is often simpler (DMP, IVA, DRO).
Get Help for PCN or Council TaxVehicles can be taken if not exempt and accessible, but cars needed for work or disability may be protected within limits. Keep evidence (employer letter, invoices, medical/disability documentation). If clamped, contact us before signing anything.
If your car is essential, document that fact immediately.
Check If My Car Can Be ProtectedNo. Reply in writing with a budget-based offer first.
After 7 clear days (not counting the delivery day, visit day, Sundays, bank holidays).
Request changes if pressured and send a revised, defendable budget quickly.
The MoJ signalled a ~5% uplift intention to fixed fees following consultation — verify current rules at the time you act.
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 Check