If Elliott Davies have contacted you, a County Court Judgment has likely been transferred to the High Court for enforcement. This means higher fees and greater powers than standard council tax bailiffs.
Elliott Davies operates as a “trading style” of Court Enforcement Services Ltd (Company 08397825), which is owned by the CDER Group. They’re High Court Enforcement Officers enforcing CCJs that creditors have transferred up from County Court.
Quick answers#
Can Elliott Davies force entry to my home? Not on a first visit for civil debts. They need peaceful entry (unlocked door or invitation). But if you’ve already let them in and signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, they can return with a locksmith if you breach it.
Are they legitimate? Yes. Elliott Davies is a trading style of Court Enforcement Services Ltd (Company 08397825). They’re authorised High Court Enforcement Officers.
What fees can they charge? £75 Compliance, then £190 + 7.5% of debt over £1,000 at first visit. A £5,000 debt costs £490 in Stage 1 fees alone (£190 + £300). High Court fees can add 50%+ to your debt.
Can an IVA stop them? Yes. An IVA stops all High Court enforcement immediately and writes off remaining debt after 5-6 years.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Elliott Davies?
- What’s the difference between Elliott Davies and council tax bailiffs?
- Elliott Davies fees explained
- Can Elliott Davies force entry to my home?
- What Elliott Davies cannot take
- How to stop Elliott Davies
- How to complain about Elliott Davies
- Elliott Davies contact details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Elliott Davies?#
Elliott Davies is a trading style of Court Enforcement Services Ltd (Company 08397825), a High Court enforcement firm owned by the CDER Group. They began as a regional North East enforcement practice and were acquired by Court Enforcement Services in July 2016.
When you receive a letter from “Elliott Davies,” you’re actually dealing with Court Enforcement Services Ltd—Elliott Davies is a regional brand name retained for local credibility in the North East.
They enforce High Court Writs of Control, usually County Court Judgments that creditors have transferred to the High Court for more aggressive enforcement.
What’s the difference between Elliott Davies and council tax bailiffs?#
Elliott Davies are High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs), not council tax bailiffs. This is a critical distinction:
Key differences:
- Authority: High Court Writ of Control (not Magistrates’ Court warrant)
- Fees: £190 + 7.5% of debt over £1,000 (much higher than council tax bailiffs)
- Minimum debt: Usually over £600 (the CCJ Transfer Up threshold)
- What they enforce: CCJs transferred to High Court, commercial rent arrears, High Court judgments
Why you’re dealing with Elliott Davies:
A creditor sued you in County Court and got a CCJ. You didn’t pay. The creditor used the “Transfer Up” process (form N293A, £66 fee) to move the judgment to the High Court. Once transferred, the CCJ becomes a High Court writ that HCEOs like Elliott Davies can enforce.
Creditors prefer this route because High Court Enforcement Officers recover money faster and charge higher percentage fees that come out of your pocket.
Elliott Davies fees explained#
High Court enforcement fees are significantly higher than County Court or council tax enforcement because they include percentage fees on top of fixed amounts.
Fee structure:
| Stage | Fixed Fee | Percentage Fee | Example (£5,000 debt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | 0% | £75 |
| Enforcement Stage 1 | £190 | 7.5% of debt over £1,000 | £190 + £300 = £490 |
| Enforcement Stage 2 | £495 | 7.5% of debt over £1,000 | £495 + £300 = £795 |
| Sale/Disposal | £525 | 7.5% of debt over £1,000 | £525 + £300 = £825 |
Calculating the percentage fee:
Percentage fee = (Debt − £1,000) × 0.075
For a £5,000 debt:
- Debt over £1,000 = £5,000 − £1,000 = £4,000
- Percentage fee = £4,000 × 0.075 = £300
So at Enforcement Stage 1, Elliott Davies charge:
- £190 (fixed) + £300 (percentage) = £490
Your £5,000 debt just became £5,490.
If you don’t pay and they progress to Stage 2, add another £795. If goods are removed, add another £825. A £5,000 debt can easily become £7,000+.
When you pay matters:
The cheapest time to pay is during Compliance Stage—within 7 days of receiving the Notice of Enforcement. You’ll pay £75 plus your original debt.
Once an agent attends your property, the £190 + 7.5% Enforcement Stage 1 fees apply immediately, even if they don’t come inside.
Can Elliott Davies force entry to my home?#
Not on a first visit for civil debts.
If an Elliott Davies agent attends your home for the first time, they cannot force entry. They need “peaceful entry”:
- Entering through an unlocked door
- Being invited in by an adult resident
- Entering through an open window (rarely attempted)
They cannot:
- Break down your door
- Push past you
- Climb through windows
- Threaten force
If you keep doors locked and don’t invite them in, they cannot enter.
Once they’ve gained peaceful entry:
If you let them in and sign a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA), they can return with a locksmith and force entry if you breach that agreement (miss payments, sell listed items).
This is why you should never let them in on the first visit.
Commercial premises:
Elliott Davies have greater powers at business premises. They can use a locksmith to force entry from the first visit if you run a shop, office, or warehouse.
Legal visiting hours:
All enforcement visits must occur between 6am and 9pm. Visits outside these hours are unlawful.
What Elliott Davies cannot take#
Even if Elliott Davies gain entry, they cannot take everything. The law protects certain items.
CANNOT be seized:
Essential household items:
- Beds and bedding for everyone
- Cooker or microwave
- Fridge
- Washing machine
- Dining table and chairs
- Lighting equipment
Tools of the trade (up to £1,350):
- Laptops and computers you use for work
- Tradesman’s tools (electrician’s kit, plumber’s van tools)
- Professional equipment (hairdresser’s scissors, photographer’s camera)
Other protected items:
- Items belonging to other people (you need proof: receipts, finance agreements)
- Vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge
- Work-essential vehicles worth under £1,350
- Items for child, elderly, or disabled person care
- Pets and assistance animals
CAN be seized:
- TVs (not “essential”)
- Gaming consoles
- Laptops (unless tools of trade)
- Jewellery
- Second cars
- Luxury furniture
- Designer clothing
Your car is the most vulnerable asset. Elliott Davies can clamp and remove vehicles parked on a public road, your driveway, or accessible private land—without entering your home.
How to stop Elliott Davies#
Several ways to halt High Court enforcement:
1. Pay during Compliance Stage
If you’re still in Compliance Stage (£75 fee), paying in full stops enforcement and avoids the £190 + 7.5% Enforcement Stage fees. This is the cheapest option.
2. Challenge the original CCJ
If you never knew about the CCJ (sent to an old address), apply to set aside the judgment using form N244. You’ll need to show:
- You didn’t receive the claim form or judgment
- You have a real defence to the claim
If the court sets aside the CCJ, the High Court writ becomes invalid and Elliott Davies must stop immediately.
3. Apply for a stay of execution
If you’re challenging the CCJ or need time to arrange finances, apply for a “stay of execution” using form N244. This asks the court to pause enforcement while you sort things out.
4. Breathing Space (60-day legal halt)
Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection from creditor action.
During Breathing Space:
- Elliott Davies cannot contact you
- They cannot visit your property
- Fees and interest freeze
- You get debt advice to explore solutions
Apply through a debt advice charity like StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline.
Learn more about Breathing Space
5. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
An IVA is a formal agreement to repay what you can afford over 5-6 years. Remaining debt is written off at the end—often 60-90%.
Once approved, Elliott Davies must stop enforcement immediately.
To qualify you typically need:
- £5,000+ in unsecured debt
- Regular income (employed or self-employed)
- Spare income after essential bills
Check if you qualify for an IVA
6. Debt Relief Order (DRO)
A DRO writes off debts after 12 months if you have:
- Less than £30,000 in debt
- Less than £75/month spare income
- Less than £2,000 in assets
It costs £90 and stops Elliott Davies immediately.
7. Bankruptcy
If your debts are over £5,000 and you can’t pay them, bankruptcy costs £680 and writes off most debts after 12 months. Elliott Davies must stop enforcement once you’re declared bankrupt.
How to complain about Elliott Davies#
If Elliott Davies (Court Enforcement Services Ltd) have acted unlawfully or unprofessionally:
1. Complain to Court Enforcement Services directly
Court Enforcement Services Ltd Complaints Department 4th Floor, Merchant Exchange Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5WG
Email: complaints@courtenforcementservices.co.uk
Include case reference, writ number, dates, agent names, detailed description, and what outcome you want.
2. High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA)
If the response is inadequate, complain to the HCEOA—the professional body for HCEOs.
Website: www.hceoa.org.uk Email: enquiries@hceoa.org.uk
The HCEOA can investigate whether the HCEO breached their code of practice.
3. Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)
The ECB is the independent oversight body for enforcement agents.
Website: www.enforcementconductboard.org.uk
The ECB can impose sanctions on firms and agents, including fines and suspension.
4. Request body-worn video footage
Submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) under GDPR to Court Enforcement Services Ltd:
Email: dataprotection@courtenforcementservices.co.uk
They must provide footage within one month, free of charge. If it shows the agent broke rules, you have evidence for a complaint or court case.
Elliott Davies contact details#
Legal entity: Court Enforcement Services Ltd Company number: 08397825 Trading style: Elliott Davies
Main office: 4th Floor Merchant Exchange Whitworth Street West Manchester M1 5WG
Phone: 0345 222 8301 Email: info@courtenforcementservices.co.uk Website: www.courtenforcementservices.co.uk
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our free IVA calculator to see how much you could write off.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is Elliott Davies the same as Court Enforcement Services?#
Yes. Elliott Davies is a trading style of Court Enforcement Services Ltd (Company 08397825). They were acquired by CES in July 2016 and operate as a regional brand for the North East. The legal entity responsible for enforcement is Court Enforcement Services Ltd.
Can Elliott Davies force entry to my home?#
Not on a first visit for civil debts. They need peaceful entry (unlocked door or invitation). If you’ve previously let them in and signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, they can return with a locksmith if you breach it. Commercial premises have different rules—they can force entry from the first visit.
What fees can Elliott Davies charge?#
Compliance: £75. Enforcement Stage 1: £190 + 7.5% of debt over £1,000. Stage 2: £495 + 7.5%. Sale: £525 + 7.5%. For a £5,000 debt, Stage 1 fees are £490 (£190 + £300). High Court fees can add 50%+ to your debt.
What’s the difference between Elliott Davies and council tax bailiffs?#
Elliott Davies are High Court Enforcement Officers who enforce High Court Writs (usually CCJs transferred from County Court). They charge higher fees including 7.5% of debt over £1,000. Council tax bailiffs enforce local authority warrants with lower fixed fees and more limited powers.
Can Elliott Davies take my car?#
Yes, unless: (1) it displays a valid Blue Badge, (2) it’s a tool of trade worth under £1,350 and you need it for work, or (3) it’s on hire purchase/lease and you can prove you don’t own it. They can take vehicles from your driveway or public road without entering your home.
How do I complain about Elliott Davies?#
Complain to Court Enforcement Services Ltd (complaints@courtenforcementservices.co.uk). If unsatisfied, escalate to the HCEOA (www.hceoa.org.uk) or Enforcement Conduct Board (www.enforcementconductboard.org.uk). Request body-worn video footage via a GDPR Subject Access Request.
Can I stop Elliott Davies with Breathing Space?#
Yes. Apply through a debt advice agency (StepChange, National Debtline, Christians Against Poverty). Once approved, Elliott Davies must stop all enforcement for 60 days. Fees freeze and you get professional debt advice. Learn more about Breathing Space
Can an IVA stop Elliott Davies?#
Yes. An IVA stops all High Court enforcement immediately. Elliott Davies cannot pursue you for debts included in the arrangement. After 5-6 years, remaining debt is written off. Check if you qualify for an IVA
What can Elliott Davies take from my home?#
They can take non-essential items like TVs, gaming consoles, jewellery, second cars, luxury furniture. They cannot take essential household items (bed, cooker, fridge, washing machine), tools of trade up to £1,350, items belonging to others (with proof), or vehicles with a Blue Badge.
Is Elliott Davies legitimate?#
Yes. Elliott Davies is a legitimate trading style of Court Enforcement Services Ltd (Company 08397825), authorised to enforce High Court Writs. However, if they’ve acted unlawfully or charged incorrect fees, you can challenge them through the HCEOA or Enforcement Conduct Board.
If you’re facing Elliott Davies enforcement and have £5,000+ in total debts, an IVA could stop them immediately and write off up to 90% of your debt.