Enforcement Agents (formerly known as bailiffs)

If a Liability Order has been issued for unpaid Council Tax, the council may instruct an enforcement agent (formerly known as a bailiff) to collect the debt.

We may do this if you:

  • Do not make an agreed payment arrangement
  • Do not keep to a payment arrangement
  • Do not return a request for financial information

Changes from 1 May 2026

From 1 May 2026, the Government is introducing changes to how enforcement action is carried out. These changes are set out in The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026

The changes increase notice periods, strengthen early engagement, and increase enforcement fees.

What is changing

  • The minimum Notice of Enforcement (compliance stage) will increase from 7 clear days to 14 clear days.
  • For non-business debts, this notice period can be extended up to 28 clear days if a debt advice provider asks for more time.

This is to give you more time to seek advice and make arrangements to pay.

Compliance stage (Notice of Enforcement)

Before any visit takes place, you will be sent a Notice of Enforcement. Notices will include clearer information about:

  • Where to get debt advice
  • When extensions may be available
  • What to expect during the enforcement process

When the enforcement agent issues a Notice of Enforcement by post, a fixed fee is added. The notice will explain the fees that may be charged if an enforcement agent is instructed.

The notice gives you at least 14 clear days to pay or make an arrangement before enforcement action can progress. 

Any payments or repayment offers must be made directly to the enforcement agent, not the council.

Enforcement stage

If the enforcement agent visits you, a fixed fee will be added, plus a percentage for any balance over the set threshold. The enforcement agent will normally ask for payment in full. If you cannot pay in full, they may agree on a repayment arrangement with you. Enforcement agents cannot force entry on their first visit for Council Tax debts. 

Which fees apply to your case

These fees are set by law and apply when an enforcement agent is instructed to collect a debt. 

Enforcement agent fees before 1 May 2026

Cases received before 1 May 2026 will follow the existing fee structure.

Stage When this applies Fee Stage
Compliance stage When the Notice of Enforcement is sent £75.00 Compliance stage
Enforcement stage When an enforcement agent visits £235.00 plus 7.5% of any balance over £1,500 Enforcement stage

Enforcement agent fees from 1 May 2026

Cases received on or after 1 May 2026 will follow the new rules and fees.

From 1 May 2026, enforcement fees will increase by 5%. This is the first increase since 2014.

Stage When this applies Fee
Compliance stage When the Notice of Enforcement is sent £79.00
Enforcement stage When an enforcement agent visits £247.00 plus 7.5% of any balance over £1,900
Sale or disposal stage If goods are removed and sold £116.00 plus 7.5% of any balance over £1,900

Controlled Goods Agreement

An Enforcement Agent may enter into a Controlled Goods Agreement, where the agent lists possessions that may be taken if the debt is not paid.

If your possessions are subject to a Controlled Goods Agreement, you must not sell, dispose of, or give them away without the Enforcement Agent’s permission.

If you do not keep to the agreement, the Enforcement Agent may re-enter your property, using reasonable force, if necessary, to remove the listed goods for sale.

If goods are removed and sold, you will be charged a sale or disposal fee. 

If the Enforcement Agent believes there are not enough goods to clear the debt, the council may consider other recovery options, which can include:

  • committal action
  • bankruptcy
  • imprisonment
  • or a charging order against your property

If you receive a letter or a visit from an enforcement agent, it is important to contact them as soon as possible. You can do this by phoning the number provided on the letter or by contacting the enforcement agency directly through their website.

We use the following enforcement agencies:

Speaking to the enforcement agent early can help you understand your options and may prevent further fees from being added.

If you are vulnerable or need extra support

Enforcement agents must take extra care if you are vulnerable. If this applies to you, tell the enforcement agent as soon as possible. 

Once vulnerability has been confirmed, your account can be managed by the agent’s Welfare Team. The Welfare Team can agree on affordable payment plans, signpost you to additional financial advice, and monitor your account more closely.

If you are struggling to deal with enforcement action, you can contact Knowsley Council for advice and support.

You can manage your case, make payments, or create a payment plan using the links below:

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