Immediate Action Plan
- 1
LOCK EVERYTHING Front door, back door, windows,
conservatory.
- 2
MOVE THE CAR If it's on the drive, move it a few
streets away immediately (if safe to
leave house via back door).
- 3
DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR Speak through the letterbox or an
upstairs window. Even if they stand
back, do not open it.
"We are calling a Locksmith"
This is a common threat. They can ONLY call
a locksmith if:
-
It is for unpaid CRIMINAL fines
(Magistrates).
- It is to HMRC (rare).
-
They have already been inside
previously and made a Controlled Goods
Agreement listing items.
For Council Tax or Parking Tickets, they CANNOT
call a locksmith for a first visit.
♿
Blue Badge / Disabled Use
Vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge or
used for a disabled person's care are EXEMPT.
💳
Finance / Hire Purchase / PCP
The car belongs to the finance company, not
you. They technically cannot take it. (Warning: Show proof immediately or
they might clamp it to check).
🔨
Tools of the Trade
If you need the vehicle for your job (and
you are a sole trader), it is exempt up to a
value of £1,350. Anything
above that value can be taken.
| Stage | Description | Fixed Fee |
| Compliance | Receipt of the "Notice of Enforcement"
letter. | £75 |
| Enforcement (Visit) | The first time they attend your
property (even if you aren't in). | £235 |
| Sale | If goods are actually removed and sold. | £110 |
** Note: If your debt is over £1,500 (High Court), they
can also charge a percentage (7.5%) of the debt value at
the Enforcement stage.
CGA
Controlled Goods Agreement
If you let them in, they will likely ask you to sign
a "CGA". This lists your belongings (TV, Console,
Sofa) and "takes control" of them legally without
removing them yet.
The Danger
If you sign a CGA and then miss a payment plan
instalment, they CAN force entry
(kick the door down) to retrieve the goods listed
on the agreement.
Refusing to Sign
You do not have to sign it. However, if they are
already inside and you refuse, they may escalate
to removing goods immediately.
Advice: Prevention is better. Do
not let them in originally.
Who counts as vulnerable?
-
Disabled (Mental or Physical)
- Seriously Ill
-
Recently Bereaved
-
Single Parent with Young Children
- Pregnant
-
Difficulty understanding English
Action: If you fall into these categories,
contact the creditor (Council/Court) immediately and tell
them "I am a vulnerable person under the National Standards
for Enforcement Agents". They should recall the bailiffs.