New Bailiff Regulations (coming into force 1 May 2026)

A_Geordie

Not sure if it has been posted before but something worth being aware of. The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 are the new regulations that amend the current regulations. Here's a summary of what is changing:

• Notice period before enforcement is extended from 7 days to 14 clear days. If the debtor is working with a debt advice provider, the provider can extend this to 28 days (for non business debts only).
• The notice of enforcement now requires additional information included about the debtor's right to seek advice, including contact details of those debt advice providers, and the ability to request an extension.
• There have been some changes that prevents an enforcement agent under a High Court writ from escalating the enforcement by going from stage 1 (compliance stage) to stage 2 (enforcement stage) in certain circumstances. If the enforcement agent doesn't make initial contact with the debtor when they first attend the premises, they cannot proceed to stage 2 until the debtor has been given a further opportunity to make payment or come to an arrangement.
• Changes related to fixed fee increases.
• Debtors can now enter into payment plans at stage 1 instead of stage 2. The intention is to prevent enforcement agents from moving to stage 2 because full payment was not made.

Coupon-mad

Useful to know, thanks!