Notice of Enforcement: act before the visit stage

A Notice of Enforcement is the point where delay can become expensive. It is not a normal collection letter, because a visit and further enforcement fees may follow.

If the notice includes fees, use the free bailiff fee checker to compare the common England and Wales fee stages, including the 1 May 2026 change.

This guide was last checked on 11 July 2026 against official court, government, regulator, or legislation sources listed on this page.

Quick answer #

• A Notice of Enforcement means an enforcement agent is warning you before a visit. It is more serious than an ordinary debt collector letter because enforcement fees and visits can follow.
• For cases received by an enforcement agent on or after 1 May 2026, you normally have at least 14 clear days before goods can be taken under the notice. A court can authorise a shorter period.
• For a qualifying non-business debt, a debt advice provider can request an extension to at least 28 clear days before the original notice period expires.
• Check the debt type because bailiff powers differ for council tax, court fines, traffic penalties and other debts.
• Breathing Space may be more urgent than an IVA if a visit is imminent.

What this means #

The notice starts the compliance stage. If the debt is not resolved in time, the enforcement company may move to an enforcement visit and add further fees.

Do not panic, but act quickly. Check whether the notice is genuine, whether the address and balance are right, and whether the debt is one that can be handled through a formal debt solution.

What to check first #

• Check the enforcement company, creditor, debt type and reference number.
• Check when the enforcement agent received the case, the date the notice was given and when the applicable clear-day period ends.
• Check the compliance fee and any previous payments.
• Check whether the debt is council tax, a court fine, traffic penalty, High Court enforcement or another type.
• Check whether you already disputed the debt or moved address before earlier notices arrived.

What to do next #

1. Contact the creditor and enforcement company using official details.
2. Ask for a balance and fee breakdown.
3. If affordable, arrange payment before the visit stage where possible.
4. If unaffordable, get urgent debt advice and ask about Breathing Space.
5. Keep doors locked if a visit later happens and ask for ID and paperwork.

Keep copies of anything you send. If you speak by phone, write down the date, time, person you spoke to, and what was agreed.

The 14/28-day rules apply in England and Wales to cases received by enforcement agents from 1 May 2026. Enforcement action already taken before that date is not changed, so an older case can still show the previous seven-clear-day period. Scotland and Northern Ireland use different enforcement systems.

What not to do #

• Do not wait until the enforcement agent is at the door.
• Do not let an agent inside until you understand their powers.
• Do not sign a controlled goods agreement unless you understand the consequences.
• Do not assume an IVA can stop every enforcement debt immediately.

When an IVA may help #

An IVA may help where the enforced debt is a qualifying debt and wider unsecured debts make a formal solution suitable. It is not a same-day substitute for urgent enforcement advice.

An IVA is a formal insolvency solution. It can affect your credit file, borrowing, assets, and future financial choices. It should be compared with a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order, bankruptcy, informal arrangements and Breathing Space before you choose.

When an IVA may not solve this #

Some debts, including court fines and certain penalties, may need different handling. If goods have already been controlled or removed, urgent specialist advice is needed.

If you are unsure, get regulated debt advice before relying on any single option.

What to do today #

1. Check the deadline on the notice.
2. Confirm the debt type and balance.
3. Speak to a free debt adviser if payment is unaffordable.
4. Ask about Breathing Space if you need time.
5. Only use the IVA calculator after checking whether the debt can be included.