Equita is now part of the ColX Group, the UK’s largest enforcement conglomerate. Formed in 2024, the ColX Group merged four major bailiff firms: Equita, Jacobs Enforcement, Ross & Roberts, and Stirling Park. The combined operation serves 332+ local authorities and collects over £300 million annually.
If you’ve received an Equita letter, you’re dealing with a company backed by private equity (Capricorn Capital) and South African investment (Shackleton Group), run by Simon and Paula Jacobs as CEO and Chief Operating Officer.
Quick answers#
Can Equita force entry to my home? No. For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, Equita agents have no right to force entry. They can only enter through an open door or if you invite them in. Keep doors and windows locked.
Are they legitimate? Yes. Company number 02518937. ECB accredited. Part of ColX Group (332+ councils). Simon Jacobs (CEO) is current Treasurer of CIVEA.
Can an IVA stop them? Yes. Council tax arrears, parking fines, and other unsecured debts can be included in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement. Once approved, Equita must stop all enforcement.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Equita?
- Who owns Equita? The ColX Group explained
- What debts do Equita collect?
- Which councils use Equita?
- Equita fees explained
- Can Equita force entry to my home?
- What Equita cannot take
- How to deal with Equita
- How to stop Equita
- How to complain about Equita
- Contact details
- FAQs
Who are Equita?#
Equita Limited is a civil enforcement agency that collects council tax, business rates, parking fines, and other local authority debts. The company operates primarily in the Midlands and South of England.
Company details:
- Company number: 02518937
- Incorporated: 26 June 1990
- Registered office: 6 Europa Boulevard, Birkenhead, CH41 4PE (ColX Group HQ)
- ECB accredited
- Geographic focus: Midlands, South England
Equita was originally part of Capita plc (2014-2023) before being sold to the Shackleton Group, then merged into the ColX Group in 2024.
Who owns Equita? The ColX Group explained#
Equita is owned by Colx Limited, the parent company of the ColX Group, formed in 2024 through merger of:
- Equita (Midlands and South)
- Jacobs Enforcement (Wales and North West)
- Ross & Roberts (Government and commercial debt)
- Stirling Park LLP (Scotland)
The scale:
- 332 local authorities served
- Over £300 million collected in 2025
- £1,139 average recovered per case (vs £827 industry average)
- 41.1% growth in collections (vs 5% industry average)
Who’s backing it: The ColX Group is backed by Capricorn Capital Partners (private equity) and the Shackleton Group (South African investment firm).
Leadership - Simon and Paula Jacobs:
Simon and Paula Jacobs (formerly of Jacobs Enforcement) run the entire ColX Group:
- Simon Jacobs – CEO of ColX Group
- Paula Jacobs – Chief Operating Officer of ColX Group
Simon Jacobs is also:
- Current Treasurer of CIVEA (the industry trade body)
- Former President of CIVEA
All four brands (Equita, Jacobs, Ross & Roberts, Stirling Park) share the same management, technology platform (ColXSys), and head office in Birkenhead.
What debts do Equita collect?#
Equita enforces civil debts on behalf of local authorities:
Council tax arrears – After the council obtains a Liability Order from magistrates’ court, Equita recovers the debt via Warrant of Control.
Business rates (NNDR) – Non-Domestic Rates recovery for commercial properties.
Parking fines (PCNs) – Recovery of Penalty Charge Notices issued by councils.
Traffic enforcement – Bus lane fines, box junction penalties, moving traffic contraventions.
Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) – Recovery of commercial rent on behalf of landlords (requires certification).
Magistrates’ Court fines – Criminal fines where the court issues a warrant.
Equita does not conduct High Court enforcement. That’s handled by firms like High Court Enforcement Group.
Which councils use Equita?#
Equita has a strong geographic presence in the Midlands and South of England. Through the ColX Group, Equita and its sister companies work with 332 local authorities across the UK.
Major contracts:
Bristol City Council – One of Equita’s largest and most controversial clients. In 2017, Equita mistakenly pursued a vulnerable man for council tax he didn’t owe. The council initially defended Equita, then quietly wrote off the debt after media pressure.
Multiple Midlands councils – Equita has long-standing relationships with local authorities across the Midlands, often secured through competitive procurement frameworks.
The ColX Group’s 332-authority reach makes it the largest enforcement operation in the UK.
Equita fees explained#
Equita charges fees according to the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014:
| Stage | Fee | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | Notice of Enforcement sent. You have 7 clear days to pay. |
| Enforcement | £235 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 | Agent makes first visit to your property. |
| Sale or Disposal | £110 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 | Goods removed and sold at auction. |
How it works:
The ColXSys platform (Equita’s shared technology with Jacobs) is designed to maximize “Compliance Stage” resolution. If you pay within 7 days, you avoid the £235 enforcement fee.
Example (£2,000 debt):
- Compliance Stage: £2,000 + £75 = £2,075
- After agent visits: £2,075 + £235 + £37.50 (7.5% of £500) = £2,347.50
The debt increased by £347.50 without any goods being seized—just by missing the 7-day window.
Can Equita force entry to my home?#
No. For council tax, parking fines, business rates, and other civil debts, Equita agents have no right to force entry into your home.
They can only enter your property in two ways:
- Through an open door – If your door is open (e.g., unloading shopping), they can step inside.
- If you invite them in – If you voluntarily let them in, they have the right to remain and take control of goods.
Once an agent has gained peaceful entry on a previous occasion, they may be able to re-enter through an unlocked door or window on subsequent visits. Never let them in the first time.
Legal hours: Equita agents can only visit between 6am and 9pm. Visits outside these hours breach the National Standards.
Who can be present: Agents cannot enter if the only person present is:
- A child (under 16)
- A vulnerable person who lacks mental capacity
Body-worn video: All Equita agents wear body-worn video (BWV) cameras. The footage is integrated into the ColXSys platform, providing an audit trail for every visit.
If an agent is at your door:
- Do not open the door unless you intend to pay immediately
- Speak through a closed door or window
- Ask for their ID number and which debt they’re enforcing
- Do not let them in—once inside, they can return
- Remember they’re recording the entire interaction
What Equita cannot take#
Even if Equita agents gain entry and take control of goods, there are strict limits:
Items they CANNOT take:
- Essential household items (beds, chairs, tables, cookers, fridges, washing machines, heating)
- Tools of the trade up to £1,350
- Third-party belongings (you need proof: receipts, finance agreements)
- Blue Badge vehicles
- Work-essential vehicles under £1,350
- Items for care of children, elderly, or disabled residents
Items they CAN take:
- Luxury items (TVs, gaming consoles, laptops)
- Jewellery and watches
- Second cars
- Designer items
- Collectibles
If Equita agents attempt to take exempt items, tell them immediately and provide evidence. If they refuse to remove it from the list, complain to Equita and the ECB.
How to deal with Equita#
If you’ve received a Notice of Enforcement:
You have 7 clear days from when the notice was posted to pay or arrange payment. During this “Compliance Stage” you’ll only be charged £75. If the 7 days pass and an agent visits, the fee jumps to £235+.
If an agent is at your door:
- Do not open the door unless you intend to pay in full immediately
- Speak through a closed door or window
- Ask for their ID and confirmation of which debt they’re collecting
- Do not let them in—peaceful entry on first visit allows return visits
- Body-worn video is recording the entire interaction
If you don’t owe the debt:
Contact the council (not Equita) with evidence:
- Council tax bills in your name for the relevant period
- Tenancy agreements showing when you moved in
- Electoral register records
Only the council can withdraw the case. Equita acts on the council’s instructions.
If you’re vulnerable:
Disclose this to both Equita and the council in writing:
- Mental health conditions
- Serious illness or disability
- Recent bereavement
- Financial crisis
Put everything in writing and keep copies.
How to stop Equita#
1. Pay during the Compliance Stage#
Pay the debt plus £75 within 7 days. Contact the council directly or pay through Equita. Avoids the £235 enforcement fee.
2. Contact the council#
Equita acts on behalf of the council. If you negotiate a payment plan with the council’s Revenues and Benefits department, they can instruct Equita to pause enforcement.
3. Breathing Space#
Apply for Breathing Space through a debt advisor. This gives you 60 days of protection:
- Equita cannot visit, add fees, or take control of goods
- Interest frozen
- Time to explore long-term solutions
Apply through StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline.
4. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)#
If you have multiple debts totalling £5,000 or more, an IVA stops Equita immediately. Once approved:
- All enforcement action pauses
- Your debts are consolidated into a single affordable monthly payment
- Council tax arrears are included
- After 5-6 years, remaining debt is written off (typically 30-70%)
Check if you qualify for an IVA
5. Vulnerability disclosure#
If you’re vulnerable, make this clear in writing to both Equita and the council. Request that all enforcement action is paused whilst your circumstances are reviewed.
6. Complain about improper conduct#
If Equita has acted improperly, complain to the council that instructed them. Councils have a duty to ensure their contractors comply with standards.
How to complain about Equita#
1. The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)
Equita is ECB accredited. You must first complain to Equita directly and allow 28 days to respond. If unsatisfied, escalate to the ECB.
The ECB has power to impose public sanctions, including suspension or removal of accreditation.
2. CIVEA
CIVEA operates a complaints process for members. Note that Simon Jacobs (CEO of Equita’s parent company) is the current Treasurer of CIVEA, which raises questions about independence.
3. The council that instructed them
Equita acts as the council’s agent. If their conduct was improper, the council has responsibility to investigate and potentially withdraw cases.
4. Request body-worn video footage
If an agent visited your property, request a copy of the body-worn video footage. This is your right under data protection law. The footage shows exactly what was said and done.
5. Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
If your complaint is about the council’s decision to use Equita or maladministration in obtaining the Liability Order, complain to the Ombudsman.
What to include in complaints:
- Case reference number and debt details
- Dates of all correspondence and visits
- Names or ID numbers of agents
- Exactly what Equita did that was improper
- How you’ve been affected
- What outcome you want
- Supporting evidence
Contact details#
Equita Limited 6 Europa Boulevard Birkenhead CH41 4PE United Kingdom
Company number: 02518937 Incorporated: 26 June 1990
Parent company: Colx Limited (ColX Group)
How to verify an agent: Ask for:
- Enforcement Agent Certificate number (verifiable on Register of Certificated Bailiffs)
- ID badge with photo and Equita logo
- Debt reference they’re enforcing
Geographic focus: Midlands and South England (332+ authorities through ColX Group)
FAQs#
Who owns Equita?#
Equita is owned by Colx Limited, the parent company of the ColX Group. The group is backed by Capricorn Capital Partners (private equity) and the Shackleton Group (South African investment firm). Simon and Paula Jacobs run the group as CEO and Chief Operating Officer.
Is Equita the same as Jacobs?#
Yes and no. Both are part of the ColX Group (formed 2024) and share the same technology (ColXSys), leadership team, and head office in Birkenhead. The only difference is geographic focus—Equita covers Midlands/South, Jacobs covers Wales/North West. Same company, different brands.
Can Equita bailiffs force entry?#
No. For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, Equita agents have no right to force entry. They can only enter through an open door or if you invite them in. Keep doors and windows locked.
What is the ColX Group?#
The ColX Group is a consolidation of four enforcement agencies: Equita, Jacobs Enforcement, Ross & Roberts, and Stirling Park LLP. Formed in 2024. The group works with 332 local authorities and collected over £300 million in 2025.
Who is Simon Jacobs?#
Simon Andrew Jacobs is CEO of the ColX Group (which owns Equita). He’s also current Treasurer of CIVEA (the industry trade body) and former President of CIVEA. He runs the entire ColX Group, including all Equita operations.
What fees can Equita charge?#
Compliance Stage: £75 (when notice sent). Enforcement Stage: £235 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 (when agent visits). Sale Stage: £110 + 7.5%. These are statutory fees set by law under Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014.
Is Equita legitimate?#
Yes. Company 02518937, ECB accredited, part of the UK’s largest enforcement group (332+ authorities). “Legitimate” means they have legal authority—it doesn’t mean you can’t challenge their actions if they breach regulations.
How do I complain about Equita?#
Complain to Equita directly first (28-day response), then escalate to: ECB (Enforcement Conduct Board), CIVEA (though Simon Jacobs is Treasurer), the council that instructed them, or Local Government Ombudsman. Request body-worn video footage under data protection law.
Can I stop Equita with Breathing Space?#
Yes. Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection. Equita cannot visit, add fees, or take control of goods. Apply through a debt advisor (StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline). Free scheme pausing all creditor contact.
What can Equita take from my home?#
They can take luxury items (TVs, laptops, jewellery, vehicles). They cannot take essential household items, tools of trade (up to £1,350), work-essential vehicles (up to £1,350), Blue Badge vehicles, or third-party belongings.
If you’re dealing with Equita and have multiple debts totalling £5,000 or more, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could stop enforcement action immediately and consolidate your debts into a single affordable payment.