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Bailiff Fees 2026: What Enforcement Agents Can Charge
Bailiffs (enforcement agents) can only charge the fixed fees set by law. For enforcement that started on or after 1 May 2026 the fees went up: £79 at the compliance stage, £247 at the enforcement stage and £116 if goods are taken for sale, plus 7.5% of any debt above £1,900 at the enforcement and sale stages. Enforcement started before 1 May 2026 stays on the old rules.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Fees from 1 May 2026
Most Debts (Not High Court)
Compliance stage: £79. Enforcement stage: £247 plus 7.5% of the amount above £1,900. Sale or disposal stage: £116 plus 7.5% of the amount above £1,900. The £1,900 threshold was £1,500 before. source
High Court Enforcement
Compliance stage: £79. First enforcement stage: £200 plus 7.5% above £1,200. Second enforcement stage: £520. Sale or disposal stage: £550 plus 7.5% above £1,200. source
Older Cases
The new rules do not affect enforcement action taken before 1 May 2026. source
Notice and More Time
14 Clear Days
The bailiff must give at least 14 clear days' notice before taking control of goods (it was 7). source
28 Days With Debt Advice
If a debt advice provider asks on your behalf before the notice period ends, the minimum becomes 28 clear days. This does not apply to some business debts. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysClear notice before a visitFrom 1 May 2026
- 28 daysIf a debt adviser asksBefore the 14 days run out
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask the bailiff company for a full breakdown of the debt and every fee.
Step 2 of 5
Check each fee against the table and the date enforcement started.
Step 3 of 5
Contact free debt advice straight away: they can ask for 28 days.
Step 4 of 5
Offer an affordable payment plan in writing.
Step 5 of 5
Complain to the enforcement company, then to the creditor (for example the council), if fees are wrong.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Free Debt Advice (MoneyHelper)
Find free, confidential debt advice near you or online.
Citizens Advice or National Debtline
Free debt advice. They can also ask bailiffs for more time on your behalf.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Get free debt advice before you sign anything a bailiff gives you.
These rules are for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different debt and enforcement rules.
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If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/366/made Checked 15 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/options-for-clearing-your-debts-england-and-wales Checked 8 October 2026