An Equita notice may concern council tax, business rates, a parking penalty, court fine or another enforcement instruction. Identify the creditor, debt type, authority, notice date and fee stage before paying.
Corporate ownership, contracts and personnel can change. Those details do not decide whether an individual debt or fee is valid, so verify current company information and focus on the warrant and evidence in your case.
First checks #
- Confirm the name and address on the notice.
- Identify the council, court or other creditor.
- Match the liability-order, warrant or penalty reference.
- Ask for the original balance and each fee.
- Ask when Equita received the case.
- Record the notice arrival date and deadline.
- Check for any earlier visit or controlled goods agreement.
Keep the envelope, notices, receipts and call notes.
Equita enforcement fees #
For applicable non-High-Court cases in England and Wales received by the enforcement agent on or after 1 May 2026:
| Stage | Fixed fee | Percentage fee |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £79 | None |
| Enforcement | £247 | 7.5% of the debt above £1,900 |
| Sale or disposal | £116 | 7.5% of the debt above £1,900 |
Earlier cases can remain on the previous £75/£235/£110 table. Permitted disbursements can apply. Ask for the received date, visit history and itemised calculation.
Notice period #
For applicable cases received from 1 May 2026, the notice normally allows at least 14 clear days before goods are taken. A timely debt-adviser request can extend this to at least 28 clear days for a qualifying non-business debt. A court can authorise less time.
An old address or late notice needs prompt advice; it does not automatically cancel the debt.
Can Equita enter a home? #
For a first visit to a home for council tax, parking and most civil debts, entry normally has to be peaceful. Keep doors locked while checking the agent, creditor, authority and itemised amount.
Different powers can apply to criminal fines, business premises or re-entry after a controlled goods agreement. Do not physically obstruct an agent.
Goods and vehicles #
The regulations protect specified essential household items, third-party goods, qualifying tools of the trade, Blue Badge vehicles and some other items. Ownership, use and value matter.
Keep receipts, finance documents and proof of essential use. Challenge a disputed control promptly and do not sign an agreement until you understand the goods listed and payment terms.
Payment and vulnerability #
Offer only what remains affordable after rent or mortgage, current council tax, energy, food and other essentials. Send a realistic financial statement and ask for the answer in writing.
Tell Equita and the creditor in writing if illness, disability, mental-health problems, pregnancy, bereavement, language needs or another vulnerability affects payment or communication. Ask for reasonable adjustments and a pause while evidence is reviewed; a pause is not automatic.
Debt options #
A standard Breathing Space normally gives up to 60 days of protection for qualifying debts after notification. It does not cancel the debt or necessarily undo action already taken.
An approved IVA may stop further action for an included qualifying debt, but does not cover every fine, penalty or secured liability. Only an unpaid included qualifying balance is normally released if the IVA completes.
Complaint route #
- Complain to Equita using its current official channel.
- Copy the instructing creditor.
- Identify the warrant, fee, visit or conduct disputed.
- Attach notices, the envelope, fee history, receipts, photographs and call notes.
- State the outcome requested.
- If unresolved, check the current Enforcement Conduct Board process and the ombudsman or court route relevant to the creditor.
Request relevant body-worn-video data promptly after a visit; retention and data-protection rules affect availability.
What to do today #
- Keep the door locked during an unverified visit.
- Verify the creditor, authority and amount.
- Ask for the fee and visit history.
- Protect priority bills.
- Raise vulnerability in writing.
- Get advice before the deadline.
If several debts are unaffordable, use the IVA calculator only as an initial options check and compare every suitable solution.