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? For a High Court case received from 1 May 2026: £79 at compliance, then £200 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,200 at enforcement stage 1. Earlier cases can remain on the previous table.
Can an IVA stop them? Yes. An approved IVA can stop qualifying High Court enforcement where the debt is included, and any remaining included qualifying debt may be written off if the IVA completes.
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: High Court cases use a separate scale; for cases received from 1 May 2026, stage 1 is £200 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,200
- 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 | £79 | None | £79 |
| Enforcement Stage 1 | £200 | 7.5% of debt over £1,200 | £200 + £285 = £485 |
| Enforcement Stage 2 | £520 | None | £520, only where the amended stage rules permit it |
| Sale/Disposal | £550 | 7.5% of debt over £1,200 | £550 + £285 = £835 |
Calculating the percentage fee:
Percentage fee = (Debt − £1,200) × 0.075
For a £5,000 debt:
- Debt over £1,200 = £5,000 − £1,200 = £3,800
- Percentage fee = £3,800 × 0.075 = £285
So at Enforcement Stage 1, Elliott Davies charge:
- £200 (fixed) + £285 (percentage) = £485
At that stage, the fee added to a £5,000 debt is £485. Permitted disbursements or later-stage fees can add more.
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 resolve the case is usually during compliance. For a case received from 1 May 2026, the notice normally allows at least 14 clear days and the compliance fee is £79.
Once enforcement stage 1 begins, the £200 fixed fee and any 7.5% amount above the £1,200 threshold can be added, even if the agent does not 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
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.
If goods have already been taken into control:
Re-entry powers are fact-specific. If a controlled-goods agreement exists and its terms are breached, an agent may have additional powers to inspect or remove those goods when the statutory conditions are met. Prior entry alone is not a general licence to force entry. Get urgent advice before missing an agreed payment or interfering with controlled goods.
Commercial premises:
Entry powers can be wider at commercial premises, but they depend on the writ or warrant, premises and statutory conditions. Ask for the exact authority before assuming forced entry is lawful.
Legal visiting hours:
The normal permitted hours are 6am to 9pm, but statutory exceptions include premises open for trade outside those hours and a court-authorised time. Record the time and authority if a visit occurs outside the normal window.
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, resolving the debt or agreeing an accepted affordable arrangement can avoid the first enforcement-stage fee. For a case received from 1 May 2026, the compliance fee is £79.
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.
For a notified qualifying moratorium debt, Breathing Space normally restricts payment demands, further enforcement and most interest, fees and charges. Permitted communications, excluded debts, court directions and goods already controlled can affect the result.
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. Any remaining included qualifying debt may be written off if the IVA completes.
Once approved, Elliott Davies should usually stop direct enforcement for debts included in the arrangement.
Suitability normally depends on having several debts that cannot realistically be repaid in full, sustainable income after essential costs, assets and creditor approval. There is no universal statutory minimum debt or monthly payment for an IVA.
6. Debt Relief Order (DRO)
In England and Wales, a DRO may be available if qualifying debts are £50,000 or less, spare income is £75 a month or less, general assets are £2,000 or less, and you have no more than one domestic vehicle worth up to £4,000. There is no application fee, and an approved debt adviser must apply for you. Whether enforcement pauses depends on the debt and stage, so get advice urgently.
7. Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy in England and Wales currently has a £680 application fee and usually discharges a person after 12 months, but it does not release every debt or automatically reverse every completed enforcement step. If bankruptcy is being considered, ask a regulated adviser or the official receiver how the particular debt and any controlled goods would be treated.
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: https://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: civea.co.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: https://www.courtenforcementservices.co.uk/
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our debt-options calculator for an initial comparison; it cannot confirm eligibility, approval or a write-off amount.
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? #
For High Court cases received from 1 May 2026 in England and Wales, the scale is £79 at compliance; £200 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,200 at enforcement stage 1; £520 at stage 2 where permitted; and £550 plus 7.5% above £1,200 at sale. Earlier cases can remain on the previous table.
What’s the difference between Elliott Davies and council tax bailiffs? #
Elliott Davies are High Court Enforcement Officers who enforce High Court writs, often after a CCJ is transferred from the County Court. High Court cases use a different fee scale from ordinary council tax or parking enforcement; for cases received from 1 May 2026, the percentage thresholds are £1,200 and £1,900 respectively.
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 (https://www.hceoa.org.uk/) or Enforcement Conduct Board (civea.co.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, qualifying enforcement should pause for 60 days. Fees freeze and you get professional debt advice. Read the Breathing Space rules
Can an IVA stop Elliott Davies? #
Yes. An approved IVA can stop qualifying High Court enforcement where the debt is included. Elliott Davies should not pursue you directly for debts included in the arrangement, and any remaining included qualifying debt may be written off if the IVA completes.
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 Elliott Davies is enforcing one of several unaffordable debts, an approved IVA may stop direct action for an included qualifying debt. Do not ignore the live enforcement deadline, and compare every suitable alternative before choosing a formal solution.