A letter from an enforcement firm like Marston, Equita or Jacobs is frightening, but you have more power than you think. Knowing the fee stages and your rights at the door can save you hundreds of pounds and a lot of fear.
Enforcement fees for most debts are fixed in law:
The key insight: if you set up a payment arrangement during the compliance stage, before any visit, the £235 visit fee never gets added. Acting in the first week is the single biggest money saver.
For council tax, parking penalties and most consumer debts, enforcement agents cannot force their way into your home, especially on a first visit. You do not have to open the door, and you do not have to let them in. They can normally only enter peacefully through a door you open. Forcing entry generally needs a court order and applies mainly to certain criminal fines and some tax debts.
They can take a vehicle left on the drive or street in some cases, so move it if you can.
If the debt is part of wider money trouble, the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) can freeze enforcement, fees and interest for 60 days while you get advice. It is started by an FCA-authorised debt adviser. scanyourletter prepares the pack and hands it to an authorised adviser, and never charges for it.
Stop the visit fee. Scan your enforcement letter and scanyourletter tells you your exact stage, your rights, and drafts a payment-plan letter to send before the £235 is added.
General information about enforcement in England and Wales, not legal advice. Fee figures are set by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014; your own case may differ. Sources include GOV.UK guidance on bailiffs and enforcement agents.