When the council refers you to the bailiffs, keep in mind that you have the authority to request that they contact you once the bailiff has returned the liability order or Warrant of Control. At this point, the case is no longer your concern, and you are not liable for the £310 bailiffs fees.

If you have outstanding debt, ensure you pay it directly to the council to nullify the enforcement power or take appropriate steps to protect yourself from bailiffs.

Bailiffs collecting council tax operate under an enforcement power known as a Liability Order and for the recovery of unpaid traffic contravention debts, the order is a Warrant of Control.

Neither of these orders grant a bailiff the authority to break into domestic property, 'get a locksmith,' or use force against individuals. In fact, Paragraph 24(2) of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, expressly prohibits bailiff from using force against people.

If the bailiff is unable to recover the money or take control of goods within 90 days, he must return the case to the town hall administration.

As long as your door is secure and there is no vehicle belonging to you outside, you are protected from enforcement.