Proserve claims the highest Penalty Charge Notice recovery rate in England and Wales with just 12 enforcement agents. They specialize in “second phase” enforcement—debts other bailiffs have already failed to collect.
Quick answers#
Can Proserve force entry to my home? Not for council tax or PCNs on first visit. Need peaceful entry (unlocked door/invitation). Exception: if you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement and breached it, they can return with a locksmith.
Are Proserve bailiffs or debt collectors? Both. Check your letter. Reference to Warrant of Control or Liability Order = bailiff. No court order = debt collector (no powers).
Can an IVA stop Proserve? Yes. Council tax and PCNs can be included. Once approved, Proserve must stop all enforcement.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Proserve?
- Can Proserve force entry to your home?
- Proserve fees explained
- What can Proserve take from your home?
- How to stop Proserve
- How to complain about Proserve
- Contact Proserve
- FAQs
Who are Proserve?#
Two companies:
- Proserve Debt Recovery & Bailiff Services Ltd (Company 07458475) - Incorporated December 2, 2010
- Proserve Debt Recovery & PCN Services Limited (Company 10298465) - Incorporated July 27, 2016
Headquarters: 30 Wynnstay Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8NB (Wales)
Key figures:
- Paul Louis Jones (Person with Significant Control—25-50% shares)
- Mark Snape (Chief Executive Officer)
- Phil Williams (Complaints Manager)
The numbers:
- 12 full-time enforcement agents covering England and Wales
- 1% returned rate (vs industry 7-10%)
- ECB accredited (October 2023)
- CIVEA member
“Second phase” specialism: Take on debts other bailiffs failed to collect. Hull case study: Previous agency 19% recovery → Proserve recovered additional 25%.
Can Proserve force entry to your home?#
No—not for council tax or PCNs on first visit.
Proserve need peaceful entry: unlocked door or invitation. Cannot break in.
Exception: Magistrates’ Court fines Can force entry for criminal fines (rare, last resort).
Exception: Signed CGA and breached If you let them in, sign Controlled Goods Agreement, then miss payments, they can force entry later.
What you should do:
- Keep doors locked
- Speak through window
- Do not sign CGA
- Do not invite them in
Proserve fees explained#
Statutory fees under Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013:
| Stage | Fee | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | Notice sent |
| Enforcement | £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 | First visit |
| Sale | £110 + 7.5% over £1,500 | Goods removed |
7-day compliance window: Act within 7 days to avoid £235+ enforcement fee.
Commission model: Proserve operates on ~20% commission for recovered funds. Incentivizes persistence.
What can Proserve take from your home?#
CAN take:
- Vehicles (major target—especially for PCNs)
- TVs, gaming consoles
- Jewellery, cash
CANNOT take:
- Essential furniture (beds, table, chairs)
- White goods (fridge, cooker, washing machine)
- Tools of trade under £1,350
- Items on HP/lease (with proof)
- Pets
Vehicle seizures: Primary enforcement method. Can seize from driveway or public road without entering home.
How to stop Proserve#
1. Pay during Compliance Stage Debt + £75 within 7 days stops escalation.
2. Breathing Space 60-day freeze. Apply via debt advisor. Learn more
3. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) Once approved, Proserve must stop. Council tax and PCNs can be included. Check if you qualify
4. Contact council directly Bypass Proserve—write to council’s Head of Revenues with vulnerability evidence.
5. Challenge Notice of Enforcement If not properly served, challenge fees via court.
6. Declare vulnerability Write to Phil Williams (Complaints Manager) with medical evidence. Proserve has Legal Executive for vulnerability assessment.
How to complain about Proserve#
Step 1: Phil Williams (Complaints Manager) 30 Wynnstay Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8NB. 14-day response time.
Step 2: Managing Director review Paul Louis Jones. 7-day final decision.
Step 3: The creditor/council Complain to council that instructed Proserve.
Step 4: Enforcement Conduct Board Proserve ECB accredited October 2023. enforcementconductboard.org.uk
Step 5: County Court Apply for detailed fee assessment or challenge conduct.
Contact Proserve#
Registered Office: Proserve Debt Recovery & Bailiff Service Ltd 30 Wynnstay Road Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 8NB
Company Numbers: 07458475 (Bailiff Services), 10298465 (PCN Services) ICO Registration: Z2548752 ECB Accredited: October 2023 CIVEA Member: Yes
FAQs#
Who are Proserve bailiffs?#
Welsh-based enforcement agency (Colwyn Bay). Two companies: 07458475 (incorporated 2010) and 10298465 (incorporated 2016 for PCN services). Cover England and Wales with 12 agents. ECB accredited, CIVEA member. Specialize in “second phase” recovery.
Is Proserve a real bailiff company?#
Yes. Legitimate, certificated enforcement agency. Agents authorized by County Court. ECB accredited October 2023, CIVEA member, ICO registered (Z2548752).
Can Proserve force entry to my home?#
Not for council tax/PCNs on first visit. Need peaceful entry. Exception: Magistrates’ Court fines OR signed CGA and breached payments.
What fees can Proserve charge?#
Statutory fees: £75 (Compliance), £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 (Enforcement), £110 + costs (Sale). Set by law, cannot be increased. Also work on ~20% commission for recovered funds.
Can Proserve clamp my car?#
Yes. For PCN debts, vehicles are primary target. Can clamp on public road or driveway without entering home. Safe only in locked garage. If on finance/lease, provide proof immediately.
How do I complain about Proserve?#
Phil Williams (Complaints Manager), 30 Wynnstay Road, Colwyn Bay. 14-day response. If unsatisfied, request Managing Director review (7 days). Escalate to council, ECB, or County Court.
Can I stop Proserve with an IVA?#
Yes. Council tax and PCNs are unsecured debts. Once IVA approved (75% creditor vote), Proserve must stop enforcement. Debt managed by your IP.
Check if you qualify for an IVA
What is Proserve’s recovery rate?#
Torridge: 64% paid, 1% returned. Pembrokeshire: 64% paid, 1% returned. Mid-Devon: 60% paid, 1% returned. 1% “returned” rate means they give up on almost no cases.
Proserve specializes in debts other bailiffs couldn’t collect. But you still have rights. An IVA can stop Proserve and write off your debt.