If Court Enforcement Services (CES) have contacted you, you’re not dealing with standard council tax bailiffs. You’re facing High Court Enforcement Officers—a different tier with greater powers. A CCJ against you has likely been “transferred up” to the High Court.
Quick answers#
Can Court Enforcement Services force entry? For commercial premises: Yes. For residential first visit: Generally need peaceable entry. CRAR (commercial rent): Can enter without a court order.
Who owns Court Enforcement Services? Outsourcing Inc., a Japanese conglomerate listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (£1.6bn turnover). Chain: Outsourcing Inc. (Tokyo) → Outsourcing (UK) Limited → CDER Group Limited → Court Enforcement Services. Same group as JBW and Phoenix.
Can an IVA stop CES? Yes. Once your IVA is approved, CES must stop all action. The debt is managed by your Insolvency Practitioner.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Court Enforcement Services?
- What’s the difference between CES and regular bailiffs?
- Can Court Enforcement Services force entry?
- CES fees explained
- How to stop Court Enforcement Services
- How to complain about CES
- Contact CES
- FAQs
Who are Court Enforcement Services?#
Court Enforcement Services Ltd was incorporated February 11, 2013. Launched June 2014 as a technology-driven challenger. Headquarters: Floor 9, Peninsular House, 30-36 Monument Street, London.
Acquisitions:
- July 2016: Acquired Elliott Davies (North East High Court enforcement)
- September 2018: Acquired by JBW Group, funded by Outsourcing Inc. (Japan)
The numbers:
- 100,000+ High Court writs managed since 2014
- £187 million recovered
- Claims recovery rate over 40% (industry average: 19.5%)
What’s the difference between CES and regular bailiffs?#
CES are High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), not County Court bailiffs.
| Feature | County Court Bailiffs | High Court Officers (CES) |
|---|---|---|
| Who they work for | County Court (HMCTS) | Private firms authorized by High Court |
| What they enforce | CCJs up to £5,000 | High Court Writs (CCJs transferred up, typically £600+) |
| Force entry (residential) | No | Generally no on first visit, but YES if CGA breached |
| Force entry (commercial) | Limited | YES - much greater powers |
| Speed | 6-15 months for evictions | 7-28 days for evictions |
| Recovery rate | Lower (backlog issues) | CES claims 40%+ |
The “Transfer Up”: If you have a CCJ over £600, the creditor can transfer it to the High Court. Once it’s a High Court Writ, firms like CES enforce it. Why? Speed, greater powers, higher recovery rates.
Can Court Enforcement Services force entry?#
Residential property (first visit): On a first visit, CES generally needs peaceable entry—an unlocked door, an invitation, or you stepping outside.
They cannot break down your door on the first visit for most civil debts.
Residential property (subsequent visits): If you let them in and sign a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA), the rules change. If you breach the CGA, CES can return with a locksmith and force entry.
Commercial property: For commercial premises, CES has much greater powers:
- CRAR enforcement: Can enter without a court order
- Forfeiture: Can change locks within 24 hours
- Writ of Possession: Can force entry to evict
High Court Writs of Possession (evictions): County Court eviction: 6-15 months. High Court eviction via CES: 7-28 days.
CES fees explained#
High Court fees are higher than County Court fees.
| Stage | Fee | Additional Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Stage | £75 | - |
| Enforcement Stage 1 | £190 + 7.5% over £1,000 | - |
| Enforcement Stage 2 | £495 | - |
| Sale Stage | £525 + 7.5% over £1,000 | - |
These are set by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014.
The 7-day Compliance window: You have 7 clear days from the Notice of Enforcement. Use this to pay, negotiate, or apply for Breathing Space before the £190+ enforcement fee is added.
How to stop Court Enforcement Services#
1. Pay during Compliance Stage If you can pay the debt + £75 within 7 days, do it. This avoids the £190+ Enforcement Stage 1 fee.
2. Challenge the original CCJ If the CCJ was granted without your knowledge (wrong address, never received papers), apply to set aside the judgment. Time limits apply—act immediately. Contact Citizens Advice.
3. Apply for a Stay of Execution A court order that temporarily halts enforcement. You’ll need to show you’re making efforts to pay or have grounds to challenge. Requires a solicitor.
4. Breathing Space (60-day legal halt) Apply through a debt advisor. During Breathing Space, CES cannot contact you, visit, or add fees. Learn about Breathing Space
5. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) Once approved, High Court enforcement stops. CES cannot pursue you for debts included. Qualify with £5,000+ debt across multiple creditors. Check if you qualify
6. Provide evidence of vulnerability CES has a Welfare Officer (Vince Squires). If you’re over 65, seriously ill, disabled, or have mental health problems, provide evidence and request referral to the welfare team.
How to complain about CES#
1. Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) CES is ECB accredited (October 2023). The ECB provides independent oversight. Can order compensation or fee refunds. Website: enforcementconductboard.org.uk
2. CIVEA membership CES is a CIVEA member with a complaints process.
3. HCEOA For High Court enforcement, complain to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association.
4. Request body-worn video footage All CES agents use body-worn cameras. Submit a Subject Access Request to CDER Group (as data controller). They must provide footage within one month.
5. Local Government Ombudsman If the council hasn’t followed procedures in instructing CES, escalate to the Ombudsman.
Contact CES#
Registered address: Court Enforcement Services Ltd Floor 9, Peninsular House 30-36 Monument Street London EC3R 8LJ
Company Number: 8397825 VAT Number: 183844184
Elliott Davies (trading name of CES): PO Box 396 Loughton Essex IG10 9GL
CDER Group (parent company): Part of Outsourcing (UK) Limited, ultimately owned by Outsourcing Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange)
FAQs#
Who owns Court Enforcement Services?#
Outsourcing Inc., a Japanese conglomerate on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (£1.6bn turnover). Chain: Outsourcing Inc. → Outsourcing (UK) Limited → CDER Group Limited → Court Enforcement Services. Same group as JBW and Phoenix.
Can Court Enforcement Services force entry to my home?#
On a first visit: generally no. They need peaceable entry. However, if you let them in and sign a Controlled Goods Agreement and breach it, they can return with a locksmith. For commercial premises, CES has much greater powers.
What’s the difference between CES and council tax bailiffs?#
CES are High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), not council tax bailiffs. They enforce High Court Writs (usually CCJs transferred up). They have greater powers, particularly for commercial premises. High Court eviction: 7-28 days vs County Court: 6-15 months.
Can Court Enforcement Services enforce a CCJ?#
Yes, if the CCJ has been “transferred up” to the High Court. CCJs over £600 can be converted into High Court Writs, which CES can enforce. The creditor applies for the transfer to get faster enforcement.
How quickly does an IVA stop CES?#
Immediately. Once you enter an IVA, CES must cease all action by law. Your insolvency practitioner notifies them, and they cannot visit, call, or add further fees.
Check if you qualify for an IVA in 60 seconds
Can I stop Court Enforcement Services with Breathing Space?#
Yes. Breathing Space gives you 60 days of legal protection. During that time, CES cannot contact you, visit, or add fees. Apply through a debt advice charity. Learn more
Facing High Court enforcement from Court Enforcement Services? An IVA could stop CES and write off up to 90% of your debt. Check if you qualify in 60 seconds.