England and Wales enforcement information
Bailiff fees and enforcement stages from 1 May 2026
Compare the date, enforcement power and actual stage reached before deciding whether a fee appears recoverable.
Fee scales from 1 May 2026
Interactive starting point
Use the fee stage checker
Compare the route, statutory stage and relevant sum, then return to the evidence showing whether the stage was actually reached.
The 2026 amendments increased fixed statutory fees and the thresholds above which an additional 7.5% fee may apply. Earlier enforcement action may remain subject to the previous figures.
Enforcement other than under a High Court writ
| Stage | Fixed fee | Additional percentage fee |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £79 | None |
| Enforcement | £247 | 7.5% of the relevant sum above £1,900 where the regulations permit |
| Sale or disposal | £116 | 7.5% of the relevant sum above £1,900 where the regulations permit |
Enforcement under a High Court writ
| Stage | Fixed fee | Additional percentage fee |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £79 | None |
| First enforcement | £200 | 7.5% of the relevant sum above £1,200 where the regulations permit |
| Second enforcement | £520 | No separate percentage component shown for this stage |
| Sale or disposal | £550 | 7.5% of the relevant sum above £1,200 where the regulations permit |
High Court enforcement stage two has specific conditions
The 2026 amendments clarify when the second High Court enforcement stage can be reached and seek to prevent unnecessary escalation. Check what happened at the first attendance and whether payment in full, a repayment arrangement or a controlled goods agreement was available or agreed.
How to check a fee demand
Obtain the complete itemised breakdown
Ask for the debt, interest, court costs, each statutory stage, percentage fee, VAT treatment and each disbursement separately.
Identify the commencement date
Check whether the relevant enforcement action began before or after 1 May 2026.
Match the activity to the stage
Keep notices, attendance records, body-worn-video requests, agreements, inventories, removal records and auction documents.
Use the correct challenge route
A complaint, detailed assessment, court application and defence to a claim each serve a different purpose. Match the route to the issue and obtain advice on procedure and costs risk where needed.
Frequently asked questions
Are these fees always the total amount due?
The total may also include the debt, court costs, interest, permitted percentage fees and properly incurred disbursements. Ask for a complete itemised breakdown.
Can the enforcement-stage fee be added without taking goods?
The statutory stage can be reached when an enforcement agent attends premises to take control of goods. Whether the stage was properly reached depends on the facts and applicable regulations.
Does VAT apply?
VAT treatment can differ, particularly in High Court enforcement. Ask for the legal basis and itemised calculation rather than assuming the answer from the fixed-fee table.
Authoritative sources
Legal content reviewed 13 July 2026. The table provides a starting point for checking an individual calculation against the date, stage and enforcement power.