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Check the visit against the rules

North East Lincolnshire Council. The dates, the time and the fees: the clock does the rest.

The rules

  • Notice first. A notice of enforcement must give at least 7 clear days before anyone visits. Paying, or agreeing a plan, in those days stops the visit fee.
  • 6am to 9pm. Visits only in those hours, any day of the week.
  • No forcing the door. For council tax, parking and most ordinary debts they can only come in peacefully, through a door, with permission. Not when only children under 16 are there. Court fines and HMRC are stricter.
  • Fixed fees. £75 when the notice is sent, £235 for a visit, £110 only if goods are removed for sale, plus 7.5% of any amount over £1,500. One visit fee, however many liability orders.
  • Vulnerable people. If you are vulnerable (illness, disability, age, recent bereavement, pregnancy, or caring for someone) they must give you a reasonable chance to get advice before taking anything.
  • Certificated. Every agent holds a court certificate and must show it, or evidence of it, when asked.

Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and the Fees Regulations 2014. Free advice: Citizens Advice on bailiffs.

Roughly how much? (optional, it sets which fees apply)
Did they come inside? (optional)
Did they take goods, or list them to take later? (optional)
Did you tell them you were vulnerable? (optional)
If you asked to see their certificate, was it shown? (optional)

The agents' fees only, not the debt. They are listed on the notice or the receipt.

To confirm this and send you your record. Deleted as soon as you confirm. Never published or passed on.

We never ask how much you owe beyond a band, or why. This page explains the rules; it does not tell you whether you owe the money. For that, and for help with the debt itself, Citizens Advice or StepChange, both free.