Fresh Start Debt Support
If you’ve had a letter, text, voicemail or visit from Jacobs (often shown as Jacobs Enforcement), you’re not alone—and you’ve got options. At Fresh Start Debt Support we help people daily to stabilise priority bills like council tax, reduce contact pressure using fair rules and Breathing Space, and move everything into a single affordable plan where suitable, such as a Debt Management Plan, IVA or DRO.
This long-form guide is written specifically for people dealing with Jacobs council tax enforcement. We’ll explain how enforcement works, what bailiffs can and can’t do, where fees come from, and the step-by-step actions that calm things down quickly. We’ll also link to plain-English pages like Stop Debt Collectors, What is debt collection? and our Compare Solutions page so you can see the routes side-by-side.
Start My Free Jacobs CheckPrefer to learn first? Explore What We Do and use the Debt Calculator to build a realistic budget.
Keep letters, envelopes, texts, voicemails and any visit cards from Jacobs. Photograph or scan them. Note reference numbers and dates. This makes it easier to respond correctly and, if needed, dispute errors.
Protect the basics before paying any collector: council tax, energy/utilities, and housing costs like rent or mortgage. Once essentials are secure, we shape a fair, sustainable offer for everything else.
Use our Debt Calculator to map income and real-world costs (commuting, childcare, energy, food). We’ll sense-check your numbers so your plan is realistic—not a one-month stretch that snaps.
If we’re supporting you, we’ll give you a reference number. Where appropriate, we help you use Breathing Space—a legal pause on most enforcement—to reduce pressure while we finalise your route.
Together we’ll compare options like a DMP, IVA and DRO, so your council tax arrears and other debts can be handled in one affordable, defendable plan where suitable.
Tell Me My Best OptionJacobs are enforcement agents (commonly called bailiffs) used by local authorities to collect council tax arrears and other local debts. If you’ve fallen behind and a liability order has been granted by the magistrates’ court, your council may instruct a firm like Jacobs to recover the debt and their fees via the Taking Control of Goods process.
Enforcement agents can contact you, but they must follow rules. You do not have to agree to unaffordable payments on the doorstep or over the phone. Keep communication polite, prefer written channels where possible, and focus on affordability. Read Stop Debt Collectors for calm scripts and next steps.
Ask for details in writing. We’ll help you check previous bills and dates. Don’t agree to payments until the basics are clear and your budget is set. See What is debt collection? for how debts move between teams and firms.
Have Us Check Your Jacobs LetterEnforcement usually follows three broad stages: Compliance, Enforcement (visit) and, if unresolved, potential Sale/Removal activity. Each stage attracts fees. Understanding where you are helps you act fast and control costs.
You’ll typically receive a Notice of Enforcement giving a deadline to respond. If you set a realistic arrangement at this stage, you can often avoid a visit. Keep copies of everything and pay only what fits your budget.
An enforcement agent may attend your address. You can speak through the door or in writing—you don’t have to let them in for council tax. If you let them in or sign a Controlled Goods Agreement, it can change what they can do later, so get advice first if you can.
If arrangements fail and goods are taken under control, further action can be considered. Our aim is to avoid escalation by stabilising essentials first and setting a defendable, affordable plan.
Do not agree to a number you can’t keep just to stop a visit today. Build a budget via the Debt Calculator and we’ll help you set a plan that lasts.
Stop Escalation — Get a Real PlanKnowing your rights helps you stay calm and in control. Enforcement is serious—but there are clear rules and options to reduce pressure.
For council tax, agents cannot force entry on their first visit. You can talk through the door and keep it polite. Ask for everything in writing. Consider telling them you’re seeking help so they note it on the file.
A CGA is a list of items the agent says are “under control” to secure repayments. Don’t sign a CGA without understanding the commitment. If you’re unsure, pause and get support.
If you’re vulnerable (health, disability, recent bereavement, pregnancy, single parenthood without support, etc.), tell them in writing and ask for appropriate consideration. We can help you word this sensitively.
Where appropriate, we help you use Breathing Space—a legal pause on most enforcement and interest—so we can get your long-term route ready without constant pressure.
Ask About Breathing SpaceMost people facing a Jacobs visit also have other arrears: cards, catalogues/BNPL, overdrafts, personal loans, energy, or even HMRC. Where suitable, we aim to bring everything under one roof so life gets simpler.
One affordable payment shared across creditors. Many reduce or freeze interest and charges (not guaranteed). Flexible and easier to adjust if your income changes.
Formal, legally binding. You pay what’s affordable for an agreed term; remaining eligible unsecured debt can be written off on successful completion. Offers strong protection from most creditor action once approved.
For low income/low assets within strict eligibility. Debts are usually frozen for 12 months and written off if your situation doesn’t improve.
See Compare Solutions for a side-by-side overview, then ask us for a tailored recommendation based on your numbers and goals.
Get My Personalised PlanSave letters, texts, emails and envelopes. Photograph visit cards. Note dates and reference numbers.
Stabilise council tax, utilities and housing (rent / mortgage) before anything else.
Use the Debt Calculator. We’ll refine it with you so it’s realistic and defendable.
Keep records. Calmly state you’re seeking support and will provide an affordable proposal shortly.
Where appropriate, Breathing Space reduces pressure while we organise your plan.
Get advice first. Never agree to an amount you can’t keep just to end today’s visit.
We’ll talk through DMP, IVA and DRO—pros, cons and timelines.
If you’re also hearing from Lowell, Cabot, Moorcroft, Advantis, Link Financial, Capquest, Wescot, Resolvecall, Hoist, Robinson Way, Fredrickson, Moriarty Law, Drydensfairfax or PRA Group, we’ll include them where suitable.
Dates, actions, promises and letters. A clear timeline helps if anything is disputed later.
Follow the Action Plan with a SpecialistDoorstep visits can feel intimidating, but you have choices. You can talk through the door, request communication in writing, and focus on a realistic arrangement after your budget is built. You don’t have to let them in for council tax at first contact.
You may find a card or letter. Save it. Don’t rush to call and agree to a high amount; complete the JotForm and let us help you set a fair proposal.
You can decline. If you choose to speak, keep it brief and polite. Share that you’re seeking support and will provide an affordable arrangement in writing.
It’s still not the end of the road. Tell us what was said or signed, and we’ll help you stabilise the situation and set a plan you can keep.
I’ve Had a Visit — What Now?Your budget must reflect your life: rent, council tax, energy, commuting, childcare, food, essential travel and a modest buffer. A rushed doorstep arrangement that ignores these costs often breaks next month and makes things worse.
We protect housing, energy and council tax to avoid escalation and emergency costs. Then we make sustainable offers to non-priority debts via a DMP or, where appropriate, a formal route like an IVA or DRO.
DMPs are typically more flexible for adjustments; IVAs include a formal variation process. We’ll help you adapt sensibly so your plan stays realistic.
Get a head start with the Debt Calculator. It’s a quick way to test what’s doable before you speak to us.
Build a Budget I Can KeepUnderstanding how original banks and card providers typically behave can help you plan. Explore our lender pages for real-world patterns and timelines:
If your account has been sold or assigned, we’ll help confirm the current owner and route communication correctly—reducing back-and-forth and stress.
Get Help Dealing with My LendersOn first attendance for council tax, no—forced entry isn’t the default. Keep doors closed, speak politely, and prefer written communication. If you’ve previously allowed entry or signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, get advice quickly.
Not under pressure. A CGA secures goods against the arrangement. Only sign if the plan is genuinely affordable and you understand the implications. We can help you decide.
Tell Jacobs in writing and request reasonable adjustments. We can help you explain your circumstances (health, disability, recent bereavement, pregnancy, single parenthood without support, etc.).
Breathing Space can pause most enforcement once in place. We’ll explain eligibility and timing, and how it fits alongside your chosen route.
Yes, council tax is a priority and will be handled first, but we’ll also map non-priority debts (cards, catalogues, overdrafts, loans) into an overall plan where suitable so everything moves together.
Debt solutions can affect credit. Many households prioritise stability and reduced stress over short-term credit scoring. We’ll talk trade-offs clearly so you can choose confidently.
That’s common. We can bring multiple debts under one plan where suitable, including collectors like Lowell, Cabot, Moorcroft, Advantis, Link Financial, Capquest, Wescot, Resolvecall, Hoist, Robinson Way, Fredrickson, Moriarty Law, Drydensfairfax and PRA Group.
Ask us directly and get a personalised answer in minutes.
Ask a Debt SpecialistDay 1–2: You receive a Notice of Enforcement from Jacobs. You save photos of everything, including the envelope. You don’t call to agree a high repayment on the spot.
Day 2–4: You complete our quick JotForm. We call (or WhatsApp) to begin a fact-find and confirm priorities—council tax, energy, rent/mortgage. We help gather details and check for other debts.
Day 5–7: We build a realistic budget together using the Debt Calculator, leaving headroom for real-life costs. Where appropriate, we help set up Breathing Space so enforcement pressure reduces while your plan is finalised.
Week 2: We match you with a senior advisor, compare DMP vs IVA vs DRO, and decide the route that fits your goals and eligibility. You get a reference number to give to Jacobs and other creditors.
Week 3+: Creditors—including Jacobs—are incorporated where suitable. You make one affordable payment. If your income changes, we review and adjust where the solution allows.
Follow This Path with Our HelpOur aim is simple: protect essentials, cut stress, and move everything into a plan you can sleep on.
Start My Free Jacobs CheckWhen you’re ready, we’re ready—on your terms and timeline.
Speak to a Specialist