Bailiff and enforcement glossary

The same everyday word can hide different legal powers. These definitions are deliberately short and should be read with the relevant guide.

Amount outstanding

A statutory expression whose meaning depends on Schedule 12 and the applicable fees rules. It should not be reduced to "the original debt" without checking the context.

Certificated enforcement agent

An enforcement agent who holds a court-issued certificate to use the taking-control-of-goods procedure, unless an exemption applies.

Compliance stage

The stage beginning when the enforcement agent receives the instruction and issues the Notice of Enforcement.

Controlled goods agreement

An agreement under which specified goods are taken into control but usually remain with the debtor subject to the agreement.

Creditor

The person or body entitled to enforce the debt or judgment.

Debtor

The person against whom the enforcement power is exercisable.

Enforcement agent

The statutory term used in Schedule 12 for a person authorised to act under the enforcement power.

Enforcement power

The power conferred by an enactment, writ or warrant to use the Schedule 12 taking-control-of-goods procedure.

Exempt goods

Goods protected from control by Schedule 12 and the 2013 Regulations, subject to definitions, value limits and facts.

High Court Enforcement Officer

An authorised officer responsible for enforcing High Court writs, usually through enforcement agents acting under the officer's authority.

Liability order

An order obtained by a billing authority in the magistrates' court as part of council tax enforcement.

Notice of Enforcement

The prescribed notice generally required before an enforcement agent takes control of goods.

Warrant of control

A warrant authorising the taking-control-of-goods procedure, commonly in County Court or traffic enforcement contexts.

Writ of control

The High Court equivalent used to enforce a money judgment by taking control of goods.

Glossary reviewed 13 July 2026.