If you have received a letter or visit from Dukes Bailiffs, check the paperwork before you pay or let anyone in. Dukes Bailiffs Limited is an enforcement and debt recovery company, so the debt type and enforcement stage matter.
Companies House lists Dukes Bailiffs Limited as an active company with company number 04418615. Dukes’ own website says it provides enforcement and recovery services for local authorities, businesses, and commercial landlords.
This guide was last checked on 26 April 2026 against Companies House, Dukes’ official website, Dukes’ Enforcement Conduct Board accreditation page, GOV.UK bailiff guidance, and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.
Quick answer#
- Dukes Bailiffs Limited is a real company. Check company number 04418615.
- Dukes are enforcement agents, not ordinary debt collectors. A Notice of Enforcement needs quick action.
- For most civil debts, first entry is usually peaceful entry only. Keep doors locked if you are unsure.
- Dukes collect council tax, road traffic, business rates, commercial rent and other enforcement debts.
- An IVA may help with included qualifying debts, but not every Dukes case will be suitable.
Who are Dukes Bailiffs?#
Dukes Bailiffs Limited is an enforcement and debt recovery company based in Stone, Staffordshire. Companies House records show:
| Check | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registered company name | Dukes Bailiffs Limited |
| Company number | 04418615 |
| Company status | Active |
| Registered office | Dukes Court, 7 Newcastle Street, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8JT |
| Incorporated | 17 April 2002 |
Dukes’ own website says the business has delivered enforcement and debt recovery services for over 30 years. It describes itself as working with local authorities, businesses, and commercial landlords.
What debts do Dukes collect?#
Dukes’ website lists services and debt types including:
- Council tax arrears
- Road traffic debt
- Business rates
- Business Improvement District debts
- Commercial rent arrears recovery
- Commercial forfeiture
- High Court enforcement
- Commercial debt recovery
- Eviction and trespasser removal
The rights and risks are different depending on the debt. Council tax enforcement is not the same as commercial rent arrears, and High Court enforcement is not the same as a normal collection letter.
Is a Dukes letter serious?#
Yes. If the letter is a Notice of Enforcement, it means formal enforcement has started and fees may already have been added.
Check:
- The creditor or council named
- The date on the notice
- The amount owed
- Any compliance fee added
- The deadline for payment or contact
- Whether the address and name are correct
- Whether the debt is already disputed
Do not ignore the notice. The earlier you contact the creditor, council, Dukes, or a debt adviser, the more options you usually have.
Can Dukes Bailiffs force entry?#
For most civil debts, enforcement agents usually cannot force entry on a first visit. GOV.UK says you usually do not have to open your door to a bailiff or let them in.
You should:
- Keep doors and accessible windows locked.
- Speak through the door if you are unsure.
- Ask to see ID and the enforcement paperwork.
- Ask what debt they are enforcing.
- Avoid signing a controlled goods agreement unless you understand it.
- Get advice before letting an enforcement agent inside.
Some cases are more complicated, especially commercial premises, High Court enforcement, court fines, or where a controlled goods agreement has already been signed. Get urgent advice if any of those apply.
What can Dukes take?#
Enforcement agents can only take control of goods that the law allows them to take. Essential household items and other people’s belongings are protected.
They usually cannot take:
- Essential clothing
- Basic domestic items such as beds, cooker, fridge and table
- Medical equipment
- Items belonging only to someone else
- Tools of trade up to the protected value
- Assistance or Blue Badge vehicles in relevant situations
They may target higher-value non-essential goods or vehicles if they can lawfully take control of them. If a vehicle is vital for work, disability, or belongs to someone else, gather evidence quickly.
Dukes fees and stages#
Many enforcement cases have set fee stages:
- Compliance stage: a notice is sent and a compliance fee is added.
- Enforcement stage: an agent attends and further fees may be added.
- Sale stage: goods may be removed or sold if enforcement continues.
Ask Dukes for a full written breakdown of:
- Original debt
- Court or liability order costs
- Compliance fee
- Enforcement fee
- Sale stage fee, if any
- Payments already made
Do not agree to a payment plan unless it leaves enough for rent, mortgage, council tax, energy, food, travel, and essential household costs.
Can an IVA stop Dukes Bailiffs?#
An approved Individual Voluntary Arrangement may stop enforcement action for included qualifying debts. However, whether it helps with Dukes depends on the debt type and timing.
An IVA may be worth checking if:
- Dukes is enforcing one debt but you have several other debts
- The enforced debt is a qualifying debt
- You have regular income
- You cannot afford separate payment plans
- You need one formal solution for multiple creditors
An IVA may not solve every Dukes case. Court fines, commercial rent, business debts, and some enforcement stages may need specialist advice.
How to complain about Dukes#
Complain in writing if you believe Dukes or an enforcement agent has acted incorrectly.
Useful evidence includes:
- The notice and envelope
- Visit dates and times
- Agent name or ID number
- Body-worn video request
- Payment receipts
- Photos of paperwork
- Notes of phone calls
- Evidence of vulnerability
Complain to Dukes first. Depending on the case, you may also need to complain to the council, creditor, Enforcement Conduct Board, CIVEA, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, or the court.
What to do now#
- Check the notice and creditor.
- Verify the case using official Dukes contact details.
- Keep doors locked until you understand the powers.
- Ask for a full balance and fee breakdown.
- Tell Dukes and the creditor if you are vulnerable.
- Get advice before signing a controlled goods agreement.
- Compare wider debt options if Dukes is one part of a bigger debt problem.
Do not wait for the next visit before acting. Enforcement fees and pressure usually increase as the case moves forward.