Bailiffs often refer to a Council Tax Liability Order as a "Warrant" because it sounds more authoritative, akin to police terminology.

It is concerning when a bailiff uses the term "Warrant" to collect unpaid council tax, as this can be seen as fraud by false representation.

This conduct, which involves the misuse of the term 'Warrant' to collect unpaid council tax, commits an offence under section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. You have the right to report this to the police, empowering you to take action against such fraudulent behaviour.

Technically, council tax arrears are addressed by obtaining a Liability Order from the court under Regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992. This order is not a warrant and does not authorise the use of force.

A Liability Order grants the authority to recover the unpaid council tax or business rates by taking control of goods or money from the debtor specified in the order. It does not authorise the use of force to enter homes or force against individuals.

A liability order does not need a 'wet ink' signature and are issued electronically, but under Paragraph 26 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, you still have a right to make the bailiff produce it.