Fresh Start Debt Support
Had a Notice of Enforcement or visit from Marston Holdings? Move contact to writing, protect essentials, and build a realistic arrangement that you can keep.
✅ Start Free Marston CheckIf you’re searching for Marston Holdings because you’ve had a Notice of Enforcement, a text, a phone call or even a doorstep visit, breathe—you have clear rights and practical options. At Fresh Start Debt Support we help people stabilise priority bills like council tax arrears, deal with parking and traffic penalties (PCNs), reduce contact pressure using fair rules and Breathing Space, and—where suitable—move everything into one affordable monthly plan via a Debt Management Plan (DMP), IVA, or DRO.
This page is written specifically for people facing action from Marston enforcement agents. You’ll learn what they can and can’t do, how the enforcement stages work, how to protect essentials, and how to build a realistic budget so you don’t over-promise under pressure. We’ll link to plain-English guides like Stop Debt Collectors, What is debt collection?, and Compare Solutions so you can choose a route that actually fits your life.
Start My Free Marston Holdings CheckPrefer to learn first? See What We Do or try the Debt Calculator.
Take photos of the envelope, the letter, and any doorstep card. Note dates, reference numbers and the deadline on a Notice of Enforcement. Good records help fix mistakes quickly and support affordable proposals.
Stabilise your home: council tax, energy/utilities, and housing costs like rent arrears or mortgage arrears. Once essentials are secure, we’ll structure a fair offer to Marston and your other creditors.
Use our Debt Calculator to map income and real-world spending (commuting, childcare, energy, food). We’ll refine it so your plan is sustainable, not a one-month stretch that snaps.
Written communication keeps a clear trail. Where appropriate, we help you use Breathing Space—a legal pause on most enforcement—so pressure reduces while your long-term route is finalised. You’ll also get a reference number to quote to creditors.
We’ll compare DMP, IVA and DRO to bring Marston and other creditors into one affordable, defendable plan where suitable. See Compare Solutions for a quick overview.
Tell Me My Best OptionMarston Holdings is a large enforcement company (often called “bailiffs”). Local authorities instruct firms like Marston to recover council tax arrears, parking and traffic penalties (PCNs), and sometimes business rates or other local authority debts. If your arrears have escalated—after reminders and legal steps for council tax (a liability order) or after a PCN has progressed—your council may pass the account to Marston to collect the balance and any enforcement-stage fees.
Enforcement agents can contact you, but they must follow rules. You do not have to agree to unaffordable payments at the door or over the phone. Keep communications polite, ask for things in writing, and focus on what is genuinely affordable. For scripts and next steps, see Stop Debt Collectors.
Ask for details in writing (references, dates, period owed). We’ll help check the liability and whether the amount looks right. Don’t set payments until you have a budget and clarity. Read What is debt collection? to understand how accounts move between teams and firms.
Have Us Check Your Marston LetterLocal authority enforcement commonly follows three stages: Compliance (Notice of Enforcement), Enforcement (an agent attends your address), and—if unresolved—potential Sale/Removal. Each stage can add fees, so acting early may reduce total cost. Knowing where you are helps you respond effectively.
You’re sent a Notice of Enforcement with a deadline to respond. If you set a realistic arrangement at this stage, you might avoid a doorstep visit. Keep proof of every message and payment. Never offer more than your budget allows, even if a deadline feels tight.
An enforcement agent may attend your address. You can communicate through the door or in writing—you don’t have to let them in for council tax or PCNs on a first visit. Letting them in or signing a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA) can change what happens next, so seek advice before agreeing to anything you’re unsure about.
If arrangements fail and goods are taken under control, further action may be considered. Our goal is to avoid escalation by protecting essentials early and setting a defendable, affordable plan.
Don’t promise an amount you can’t sustain to end today’s call or visit. Build a budget using the Debt Calculator and we’ll help you propose a plan that lasts.
Stop Escalation — Get a Real PlanEnforcement is serious—but there are rules and practical steps that reduce pressure. Knowing your rights keeps you calm and in control.
For council tax and PCNs, forced entry is not the default on a first visit. You can keep doors closed, speak politely, and ask for communications in writing. If you’re seeking help, say so—and that you’ll respond with an affordable proposal shortly.
A CGA lists items the agent says are “under control” to secure repayments. Do not sign a CGA under pressure. Only sign if the payment is genuinely affordable and you understand the implications. If unsure, pause and get advice first.
Tell Marston in writing if a vehicle is essential for work, is on finance/lease, or if tools are necessary for your trade. We’ll help you explain this clearly and appropriately.
If you’re vulnerable (e.g., health condition, disability, recent bereavement, pregnancy, single parenthood without support), tell Marston in writing and ask for reasonable adjustments. We can help you phrase this sensitively.
Where appropriate, we help you use Breathing Space—a legal pause on most enforcement and interest—so we can prepare your longer-term solution without constant pressure.
Ask About Breathing SpaceMost people facing Marston also have other arrears: credit cards, catalogues/BNPL, overdrafts, loans, energy, even HMRC. Where suitable, we bring everything under one roof so life gets simpler and your money stretches further.
One affordable monthly payment shared across creditors. Many creditors will consider freezing or reducing interest and charges (not guaranteed). Useful flexibility if income fluctuates.
Formal, legally binding agreement. You pay what’s affordable for an agreed term; remaining eligible unsecured debt may be written off on successful completion. Provides strong protection from most creditor action once approved.
For low income/low assets. Strict eligibility applies; debts are usually frozen for 12 months and then written off if your situation doesn’t improve.
See Compare Solutions for a side-by-side overview, then ask for a tailored recommendation based on your numbers and goals.
Get My Personalised PlanSave letters, texts, emails, envelopes and photos of visit cards. Note dates and references in a simple log.
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. Tell Marston you’re seeking support and will provide an affordable proposal in writing.
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 or call.
We’ll talk through DMP, IVA and DRO—pros, cons and timelines—so you can decide confidently.
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.
Record dates, actions, promises and letters. A clear timeline helps if anything needs challenging later.
If income or bills change, we’ll review—DMPs are typically flexible; IVAs include variation processes.
Follow the Action Plan with a SpecialistDoorstep visits can feel intimidating, but you have choices. You can speak through the door, request communications in writing, and focus on a realistic arrangement after your budget is built. You generally do not need to let an agent in for council tax/PCNs on a first visit.
You may find a card or letter. Save it. Don’t rush to call and accept a high repayment; complete our JotForm and let us help you shape a fair proposal.
You can decline. Keep it polite and brief. Share that you’re seeking support and will respond with an affordable arrangement in writing.
It’s still not game over. 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 Marston Visit — What Now?Marston often handle more than one type of local authority debt. The steps below explain how we adapt your response depending on what you owe.
Once arrears progress to a liability order, the council can instruct enforcement agents like Marston. Prioritise council tax alongside housing and energy. We’ll build a defendable budget and help you communicate an affordable plan. Read more at Council Tax Debt.
PCNs escalate through statutory stages. If you’re at enforcement, keep everything in writing and act quickly. We’ll help you set a realistic arrangement and look at overall affordability so your other bills aren’t derailed.
If you’re self-employed or a company director, business rates debts can also be passed to enforcement. See Business Debt for tailored support and consider how a plan interacts with variable income.
Where appropriate, we’ll explore Breathing Space and longer-term routes like DMP, IVA or DRO to bring stability.
Match Me to the Right RouteYour budget must reflect your life: rent/mortgage, council tax, energy, commuting, childcare, food, and a small buffer for the unexpected. A rushed arrangement that ignores these costs often breaks next month and makes things worse. We build stability first, then solutions.
We protect housing, energy and council tax to reduce 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 flexible for adjustments; IVAs include a formal variation process. We’ll help you adapt sensibly so your plan stays realistic across the year.
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 KeepKnowing how original banks and card providers typically behave helps you plan. Explore our lender pages:
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. If other collectors are involved, see our calm guides for Lowell, Cabot, Moorcroft, Advantis, Link Financial, Capquest, Wescot, Resolvecall, Hoist, Robinson Way, Fredrickson, Moriarty Law, Drydensfairfax and PRA Group.
Get Help Dealing with My LendersFact: For council tax and PCNs, entry on a first visit is not automatic. You can keep doors closed and communicate in writing.
Fact: A rushed, unaffordable token payment can make next month worse. Build a defendable budget and agree something you can keep.
Fact: We stabilise priorities and then structure an overall plan—often including credit cards, catalogues, overdrafts, loans—so everything moves together.
Share a few details and we’ll explain which options fit your numbers and timeline.
Get Personalised GuidanceFor council tax and PCNs, forced entry is not the default on a first visit. Keep doors closed, speak politely, and prefer written communication. If you’ve already let them in or signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, get advice quickly so we can help stabilise things.
Only if the repayment is genuinely affordable and you understand the implications. Never sign under pressure. If unsure, pause and ask us first.
Breathing Space can pause most enforcement and interest once it’s in place. We’ll explain eligibility, timing and how it fits with your chosen route (e.g., DMP, IVA, DRO).
Yes—council tax and PCNs are stabilised as priorities, but we also map non-priority debts (credit cards, catalogues, overdrafts, loans) into a single overall plan where suitable so everything moves together.
Ask Marston for a written breakdown and evidence, then share it with us. We’ll help you check the details and respond appropriately while ensuring your budget isn’t compromised by errors.
We’ll tailor your route to your income pattern. DMPs are often flexible; IVAs have variation processes; DROs may fit some low-income/low-asset situations. If you run a business, see Business Debt.
Ask us directly and get a personalised answer in minutes.
Ask a Debt SpecialistDay 1–2: You receive a Notice of Enforcement from Marston Holdings. 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 start a fact-find and confirm priorities—council tax, energy, rent/mortgage. We help gather details across the board, including 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 choose the route that fits your goals and eligibility. You get a reference number to give to Marston and other creditors.
Week 3+: Creditors—including Marston—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 Marston Holdings CheckWhen you’re ready, we’re ready—on your terms and timeline.
Speak to a SpecialistFor most council tax and PCN cases in England & Wales, statutory bailiff fees are set by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014. Typical stages include: Compliance £75 (after the Notice of Enforcement), Enforcement £235 (first visit) plus 7.5% of any debt over £1,500, and Sale £110 plus 7.5% over £1,500 if goods are removed for sale. Extra disbursements can apply in limited circumstances (e.g., storage/locksmith). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why this matters: acting during the Compliance stage can avoid the higher Enforcement visit fee. If you’ve had a Notice of Enforcement, respond fast—ideally in writing with a defendable offer.
You generally have at least 7 clear days from the Notice of Enforcement before a bailiff can visit. Ignoring it can push your case to the Enforcement stage, adding the £235 fee on top. Act quickly: switch to written contact, share your circumstances, and propose an affordable plan—or ask us about Breathing Space if you need a legal pause. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Bailiffs often look for a vehicle because it’s easy to take control of. They can clamp or remove it if they lawfully take control of goods for the debt. If the car is essential for work (“tools of the trade”) or subject to certain protections (e.g., Blue Badge context), tell them in writing and provide evidence. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
If you don’t legally own the vehicle (e.g., it’s on hire purchase/lease), it may be exempt—share proof quickly. If mistakenly clamped, you can challenge with evidence. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Send your documents by email and keep copies. Don’t agree to unaffordable sums to release a clamp—ask us for wording and a sustainable plan first. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
You usually don’t have to open your door. Bailiffs cannot enter by force on a first council tax/PCN visit, and visits should not be between 9pm and 6am. They can force entry only in specific situations (e.g., some criminal fines, certain HMRC debts, or if there’s a defaulted Controlled Goods Agreement). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
If you feel unsafe or pressured, keep communication in writing, record the date/time of visits, and ask for reasonable adjustments if you’re vulnerable.
Build your budget first, then make an offer you can defend. Share income, essential costs, and a realistic monthly amount. Send it in writing and ask for confirmation in writing. If you need breathing room to organise this, ask about Breathing Space. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Visits can happen on weekends, but not at night (9pm–6am). Keep doors closed and ask for written contact if a visit feels pressured. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
If they’ve lawfully taken control of goods, clamping on a driveway is possible. Dispute quickly if the car is exempt (on finance, essential work vehicle, or protected circumstances). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Once a case is with enforcement, councils usually direct you to deal with the enforcement company because statutory fees are attached to the case. Try to agree an affordable plan in writing. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
The case can progress to a visit, adding the £235 enforcement fee. Respond fast with a defendable offer—or get advice about a suitable solution and timing. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
We provide free, plain-English guidance and connect you—where needed—to appropriately regulated providers for formal solutions. We’re independent, focus on affordability first, and will never push you to agree to unaffordable payments.
Estimate how long it could take to clear unsecured debts on your own vs. setting an affordable plan (ignoring interest for simplicity). Then ask us to pressure-test your budget.
Note: Enforcement fees and interest can change the maths—act early to keep costs down. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Statutory fee framework & examples: Citizens Advice; Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014; MoJ review/update. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Notice of Enforcement timeline & negotiation basics: Citizens Advice guides. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Entry powers & hours; when force is allowed: GOV.UK; StepChange. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Vehicles & exemptions (finance, work necessity): Citizens Advice. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}