Disputing Bailiffs Fees: Detailed Assessment

High Court writs

For non High Court debts, e.g. council tax, traffic debts and Magistrates' court fines, see Non-High Court detailed assessment.

Bailiffs are required to adhere strictly to regulations governing their fee structures.

If the court determines that the bailiff has overcharged you, they are typically liable for your legal expenses and solicitor's fees.

In cases where the bailiff's fees are evidently excessive, you have the option to request exemplary costs.

The fees that bailiffs can levy for the enforcement of High Court writs are as follows:


Schedule of fees for the enforcement of High Court writs

Table 2 of the Schedule of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014

    £75 - Compliance Stage Fee
    £190 - 1st Enforcement Stage Fee plus 7.5% of sum to be recovered exceeding £1000
    £495 - 2nd Enforcement Stage Fee
    £525 - Sale Stage Fee plus 7.5% of sum to be recovered exceeding £1000

    If the bailiff has taken control of goods - his expenses for transporting and auctioning them is recovered from sale

    VAT on enforcement fees may not be recovered from debtors, See HMRC Briefing Note VBNB41720.

    Should the bailiff charge VAT charge and he is not VAT registered, you can seek reimbursement by applying for a detailed assessment process, with the creditor covering your costs.

Search online to see if the bailiff (enforcement agent) is VAT registered.



When each fee stage applies

    Compliance Stage Fee: Imposed upon the instruction of the enforcement agent.
    1st Enforcement Stage Fee: Occurs during the first visit, with a controlled goods agreement established.
    2nd Enforcement Stage Fee: Applicable during the first visit if no controlled goods agreement is reached, or if the debt remains unpaid, including the first enforcement stage fee.
    Sale Stage Fee: Levied for starting to remove controlled goods.


Fees and disbursements which can be disputed

Incorrect calculation of the percentage fee

Multiplying an enforcement stage fee by the number of concurrent enforcement powers

Imposing any fee or disbursement not applicable due to the debtor's vulnerability

Disbursements incurred by the bailiff in managing the debtor's goods

Discrepancy between the judgment address and the address visited by the bailiff

Preemptively charging a 2nd Enforcement Stage fee

Preemptively charging a Sale Stage fee

Taking an enforcement stage fee from a vulnerable individual

Error in fee calculation on the bailiff's fee demand

Levying any fee subsequent to the debt being settled with the creditor

Charging VAT on fees when the bailiff is not VAT registered
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If you don't have a copy of the original judgment, search Registry Trust Online

Small fee applies.


Gather your evidence:

Documentation indicating the funds collected or requested by the bailiff, including the date.

The judgment, detailing the judgment sum, judgment date, and defendant's residence. Accessible for download fromTrust Online.

Creditor's name

Bailiff company's name

Bailiff's name

If relevant, proof of vulnerability.

If applicable, evidence of the bailiff taking control of goods.

Complete documentation illustrating the movement of any funds taken by the bailiff or paid to the creditor.

The fee for the application stands at £275. Should you find yourself on a modest income or with limited savings, you may apply for court fee remission.

Bring your documents directly to the High Court in London; refrain from mailing them, as court personnel will set aside your application papers.

Submit a request for Litigant in Person costs pursuant to CPR 46.5. If the evaluation rules in your favour, your costs are either deducted from the original judgment or ordered to be paid by the bailiff company.

A typical costs award to a litigant in person under CPR 46.5 for a detailed assessment application in the High Court amounts to £3500.

It's worth considering having your assessment professionally computed and court documents prepared; these costs can be recuperated as part of your CPR 46.5 litigant in person expenses.