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Received an enforcement letter or had a knock at the door? You're not alone, and you have more options than you think. We help people across the UK understand their choices, protect themselves from bailiff action and get their debts under control.
Tell us a little about your situation and an adviser will call you back.
Does this sound familiar?
Bailiff (enforcement agent) fees can add hundreds of pounds to what you owe. Getting help early can stop things getting worse.
This letter means bailiffs can visit your home in as little as 7 days. It's the most important time to get help.
Maybe they've listed your belongings or asked you to sign an agreement. It's not too late to deal with it.
Council tax arrears are one of the most common reasons bailiffs get involved – and they move quickly.
If you can't pay a County Court Judgment, creditors can ask for enforcement agents to collect it.
Unpaid penalty charge notices can quickly be passed to bailiffs with extra fees added on top.
Credit cards, loans, overdrafts and catalogues all at once? We can look at everything together.
How it works
Call or fill in our short form. We'll listen, understand who you owe and what's happening with the bailiffs – no judgement.
We'll explain every solution available to you in plain English – how each one works, what it costs and how it affects bailiff action.
Once the right solution is in place, your creditors are informed and you can focus on one manageable plan instead of worrying about bailiffs.
Your debt solutions
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right solution depends on what you owe, your income and your circumstances. Here's an overview of the main options available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A government scheme that gives you legal protection from creditors for 60 days while you get advice and decide on a longer-term solution. It must be applied for through an authorised debt adviser.
Bailiff action: most enforcement action, including bailiffs, is paused and interest is frozen for 60 days. Some debts, such as criminal fines, are not covered.
An agreement made directly with your creditor or the enforcement company to pay what you owe in affordable instalments. Useful where there is only one or a small number of debts.
Bailiff action: visits will usually stop while the agreed payments are maintained, but the creditor isn't legally bound and further fees may still apply.
A flexible plan where you make one monthly payment that's shared between your non-priority creditors. You repay your debts in full, at a rate you can afford, and can end the plan at any time.
Bailiff action: creditors often agree to hold action once a plan is in place, but because a DMP is not legally binding, they are not obliged to.
A formal agreement with your creditors, arranged by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. You make one affordable monthly payment, usually for 5 or 6 years, and any remaining balance on the included debts is written off at the end.
Bailiff action: once agreed by your creditors, an IVA is legally binding on all creditors included in it. They can no longer take enforcement action, including the use of bailiffs, for the debts covered. This protection does not apply to criminal matters, such as magistrates' court fines, which cannot be included in an IVA.
A low-cost formal option for people with lower levels of debt, very little spare income and few assets. Qualifying debts are written off after 12 months. Eligibility criteria apply and vary across the UK.
Bailiff action: creditors named in the order cannot take enforcement action for those debts without court permission. Criminal fines are not included.
A formal process for people who can't repay their debts. Most debts are written off, usually after 12 months, but assets – which may include your home – can be sold to repay creditors.
Bailiff action: most creditors can no longer take action against you for debts included in the bankruptcy. Criminal fines and some other debts are not covered.
Compare your options
| Solution | Legally binding | Protection from bailiffs* | Debts written off | Typical length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breathing Space | Yes | Paused for 60 days | No | 60 days |
| Payment Arrangement | No | While payments are kept up | No | Until repaid |
| Debt Management Plan | No | Not guaranteed | No | Until repaid |
| IVA | Yes | Yes, once agreed | Remaining balance | 5–6 years |
| Debt Relief Order | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12 months |
| Bankruptcy | Yes | Yes | Most debts | 12 months |
*For debts included in the solution. No debt solution covers criminal matters such as magistrates' court fines.
Answer three quick questions to see which options could be worth exploring. This is only a guide – an adviser will look at your full circumstances and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option before you decide anything.
Do you owe more than £6,000 in total?
Do you have money left over each month after essential bills?
Do you own your home?
Know your rights
Bailiffs (also called enforcement agents) must follow strict rules. Here are the basics for most debts in England and Wales.
Why choose us
Debt can happen to anyone. We treat every person with respect.
No jargon – just clear explanations of your choices.
Bailiff situations are urgent. We aim to call you back the same day.
We'll talk you through every solution, so you can make an informed choice.
FAQs
Formal solutions – an IVA, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy – are legally binding, so creditors included in them can no longer use bailiffs to collect those debts. An IVA provides this protection once it has been agreed by your creditors. Breathing Space pauses most enforcement for 60 days, while informal options such as Debt Management Plans rely on creditors agreeing to hold action. None of these solutions cover criminal matters such as magistrates' court fines.
Yes. Council tax arrears can usually be included in formal solutions such as an IVA, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy, and can often be included in a Debt Management Plan. Your ongoing council tax must still be paid as normal.
Criminal fines, including magistrates' court fines, can't be included in any debt solution and must be dealt with separately. We can still help you look at your other debts so you're better able to manage the fine.
We aim to call you back the same day. If bailiffs are due soon, tell us when you call and we'll prioritise your case.
For most debts, no. Bailiffs can't force their way in on their first visit. You can talk to them through a closed door or window. Never ignore enforcement letters though – get help as soon as possible.
It depends on how much you owe, your income, whether you own your home and your future plans. We'll talk through your circumstances and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Most will. Formal solutions stay on your credit file for 6 years, and informal plans can also affect your rating. Many people find their credit is already affected, and a solution gives them a clear way forward.
Yes. Free, impartial debt advice is available from MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk), StepChange and Citizens Advice.
Get free help today
Fill in the form and one of our friendly advisers will call you back to talk through your options. It's free, confidential and there's no obligation.
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