Bristow and Sutor bailiffs: what they can do and how to respond

Who they are

Enforcement agents (bailiffs) who collect debts for councils and other creditors

Usually chase

Council tax, business rates, parking and traffic penalties

Main phone

0330 390 2010

Post

Bartleet Road, Washford, Redditch, B98 0FL

Who are Bristow & Sutor?

Bristow & Sutor is a civil enforcement company. Its agents, who used to be called bailiffs, are authorised to take control of goods to recover money owed. Councils are its main clients, so most people hear from it about council tax, business rates or unpaid parking and traffic penalties. Commercial rent arrears and other debts can also be passed to enforcement agents.

The agency is not the creditor. The debt is owed to the council or organisation that instructed it, and that body can usually tell you how the debt arose and what is outstanding.

Are they genuine?

Enforcement agents must hold a certificate granted by a judge at the county court, and the Ministry of Justice keeps a register of certificated bailiffs. Ask any agent who calls for their name, ID and certificate details, and check them on the Certificated Bailiff Register.

Scammers also pose as county court bailiffs and High Court enforcement officers. Do not pay anyone who phones you unexpectedly or sends a payment link by text. Hang up and call the number on your letter or on the company’s website. You can read the government’s guidance on bailiff and enforcement officer scams on GOV.UK.

What can they do?

Enforcement agents have the legal power to take control of your goods and, if the debt stays unpaid, to remove and sell them. For most debts, that happens only after a court order or a council’s liability order.

• They can take: luxury or non-essential items such as a TV, games console, jewellery, antiques and cash, and goods you own jointly with someone else.
• They cannot take: things you need for basic living, such as clothes, bedding, a cooker or fridge, tools and equipment for work up to a set total value (£1,350 under the 2013 regulations), items that belong to someone else, or children’s belongings.

If goods belong to someone else, such as a partner or lodger, you will need to prove it. Keep receipts and bank statements.

The notice of enforcement

The first step is a letter called a notice of enforcement, which starts the compliance stage. For cases passed to an agent on or after 1 May 2026, the agent must now give at least 14 clear days’ notice before taking control of your goods, up from seven. In some circumstances the notice period can be extended, which a debt adviser can ask about.

Since the same date, creditors can also accept a payment arrangement during the compliance stage, so this is the cheapest moment to act. If the notice period runs out with no payment or agreement, the case can move to the enforcement stage and a visit.

What can they charge?

Bailiff fees are set by law in the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 as amended, with new amounts from 1 May 2026. There are three stages and each fixed fee can only be charged once, however many times the agent visits at that stage.

These amounts apply to cases passed to an agent on or after 1 May 2026. Earlier cases keep the older fees of £75, £235 and £110, with the percentage applying above £1,500. The percentage fee only applies to the part of the debt above the threshold. For a £2,500 debt, the enforcement fee would be £247 plus £45 (7.5% of £600), a total of £292.

Agents can also add certain disbursements, such as storage, locksmith costs, court fees and auctioneer’s costs if goods are sold. You are entitled to see receipts and evidence for anything added to your bill. If you think a fee is wrong, raise it with the agent and the creditor, and get advice.

Can I avoid the fees by paying the council directly?

Not once the notice of enforcement has been sent. From that point the fees are legally due and the amount outstanding includes them. Paying the council on its own will not clear the agent’s fees, so ask the agent for an up-to-date figure before you pay.

When can they visit?

Agents may visit between 6am and 9pm. They should not enforce on Sundays, Good Friday or Christmas Day. There are exceptions: a court order allowing other times, business premises that trade outside those hours such as a pub or club, or an agent finishing a seizure that began before 9pm.

Do I have to let them in?

No. For council tax, business rates and parking debts, an agent can only enter peaceably, which means through an open door or with your permission. They cannot force entry on a first visit, and you do not have to speak to them. Letting them in gives them the right to list your goods, so think carefully before you do. If you let someone in, you can still ask them to leave.

If you are vulnerable, for example because of illness, disability or a mental health problem, tell the agent and the creditor as early as you can and send evidence. Agents should take this into account under national standards.

Can they take my car?

Yes, if it is yours, since vehicles are popular targets. But there are limits:

• They can only take a vehicle owned by you, alone or jointly. A car on hire purchase or lease belongs to the finance company and cannot be taken.
• A vehicle displaying a Blue Badge that is being used by a disabled person is protected.
• They can take a car parked on a public road. They generally cannot enter someone else’s private land to take it.

An agent may leave the car with you if you sign a controlled goods agreement, which means you promise not to sell or dispose of it and agree a payment plan. If you break the agreement, they can come back and remove it.

My car has been clamped. Can I remove it?

No. Removing a clamp or obstructing the removal of a vehicle taken into control is a criminal offence under Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. Contact the agent immediately to arrange payment or a plan, and get advice.

If they have taken your goods

You can still get your goods back before they are sold, but you will have to do one of the following:

• Pay the debt and fees in full.
• Agree a payment arrangement with the creditor and have them ask the agent to return the goods.
• Buy the goods back yourself at the sale.
• Show that the agent did not follow the correct procedure, for example by taking items they were not allowed to take.

How many times can they visit?

There is no fixed limit. The idea that a bailiff can only visit three times is a myth. Eventually the agent may return the case to the creditor if they cannot gain entry or you have too few goods to cover the debt, and the creditor can instruct another agent. A notice of enforcement is generally valid for 12 months. The surest way to stop visits is to agree a payment arrangement and keep to it.

Payment plans and broken arrangements

Agents can agree to a repayment plan, but they expect you to keep to it. If you miss a payment or pay less than agreed, the plan may be cancelled and the case can move to a visit with more fees. Missing a payment can also restart the 12-month period.

Many plans fail because they are set too high. Work out your budget first, offer only what you can keep up, and get the agreement in writing. If a plan has already broken down, contact the agent as soon as possible and ask for a new one based on an accurate budget. If they refuse, the creditor may be able to intervene, and a debt adviser can help you ask.

If you cannot afford to pay

• Breathing Space gives 60 days with enforcement action paused while you get help. It must be set up by a debt adviser and you must pass the eligibility checks.
• For council tax arrears, ask the council about a payment plan or hardship help. Council tax debt guide.
• If you have several debts, a debt management plan, debt relief order, IVA or bankruptcy may be worth considering. A free adviser can explain which could apply.

How to complain about Bristow & Sutor

Start by complaining to Bristow & Sutor in writing and keep copies. Its website sets out its current complaints process. If you are not satisfied, complain to the council or organisation that instructed the agent. For councils, you can then take the matter to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if it is not resolved. Enforcement agents also have to be certificated by a county court, so serious conduct concerns can be raised with the court that granted the certificate.

You can also tell your debt adviser, who can raise the complaint for you.

Can they arrest me?

No. Bailiffs cannot arrest you and cannot call the police to arrest you for owing money, except to prevent a breach of the peace, for example if someone is threatened with violence. You cannot be arrested for refusing to let them in.

You cannot be jailed for most debts. There are exceptions for non-payment of council tax, child maintenance or magistrates’ court fines if the court finds you have refused or neglected to pay when you could. In those cases you would be called to a means enquiry hearing first, where you can explain your circumstances.

Bristow & Sutor contact details

Bristow & Sutor does not have a freephone number. If you have no credit, you can call our team free on 0800 3688 133. We are not associated with Bristow & Sutor. This information is provided to help people contact their creditors. Contact details change, so check the company’s website. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions