Straight answers about parking fines, bailiffs, council tax and debt letters in the UK. If a letter has just landed, scan it and we tell you exactly where you stand.
Yes. Scanning a letter and understanding where you stand is free. You photograph any debt or penalty letter and in about 30 seconds you learn who sent it, what they can and cannot do to you, your real deadline and the best next move. There is no sign-up.
No. scanyourletter gives you information and helps you write your own letters. It is not regulated debt advice and not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. For free regulated advice we point you to MoneyHelper, StepChange, PayPlan and Citizens Advice.
For most consumer debts, including council tax and parking penalties, enforcement agents cannot force their way in on a first visit. You do not have to open the door. They can normally only enter through a door you open, and they cannot take essential household items. Forced entry generally needs a court order and applies mainly to certain criminal fines and tax debts.
For a council Penalty Charge Notice you make formal representations, usually within 28 days, setting out why it should be cancelled. Common grounds are unclear or missing signs, a valid permit, loading or unloading, a Blue Badge, the vehicle having broken down, or wrong details on the notice. If the council rejects you, an independent tribunal hears it for free. Our full guide to appealing a PCN walks you through it, and the app drafts the letter tailored to your exact ticket.
Breathing Space (the Debt Respite Scheme) pauses most enforcement, interest and fees for 60 days while you get advice. It must be started by an FCA-authorised debt adviser or a local authority. We prepare the pack and hand it to an authorised adviser, and we never charge for it.
No. A council parking PCN is a civil penalty and does not appear on your credit file. Some consumer credit debts, like a missed card or loan payment, can be reported. The app tells you which kind of letter you have.
Parking and PCN fines, bailiff and enforcement notices, council tax arrears, credit card and loan arrears, catalogue and Buy Now Pay Later debts, debt collection and debt-buyer letters, default notices, County Court claims and CCJs, energy and utility arrears, water arrears, TV Licence demands, HMRC tax letters, benefits and DWP overpayments, and mobile and broadband debts.
Yes. Your case stays on your own device. The letter image is sent once to be read and is not kept, and we never sell your data or share anything with a creditor without your say so. See our privacy policy.
In England and Wales many consumer debts become statute barred if you have not paid or acknowledged them in writing for six years and there is no court judgment. A statute barred debt still exists but cannot be enforced through the courts. Check carefully before paying or acknowledging an old debt.
A debt buyer can ask you to pay and can apply to court, but they must prove the debt is yours. You can ask them in writing for the original agreement and a statement before you pay. Realistic offers are often accepted, because debt buyers paid only a fraction of the balance.
Often yes. If you are on a benefit like Universal Credit or Pension Credit you may qualify for a social tariff, a cheaper deal for the same water, broadband or phone service, and energy suppliers run support schemes. You usually have to ask. Our guide to lowering your bills has the official lists.
scanyourletter gives information, not regulated debt advice. Figures and rules are general UK guidance and your own letter may differ. Sources include GOV.UK, MoneyHelper and the Money and Pensions Service. For regulated advice, contact a free authorised service.