- Company
- Marston (Holdings) Limited, also trading as Marston Recovery
- Formerly
- Rossendales
- Usually chase
- Council tax, magistrates’ fines, parking and traffic penalties
- Customer phone
- 0333 320 2540
On this page
Who are Marston?
Marston (Holdings) Limited is a large UK enforcement and judicial services group. Its recovery business, called Marston Recovery, was formerly known as Rossendales. It employs certificated enforcement agents, the official name for bailiffs, and also has High Court enforcement officers.
Marston is not the creditor. The debt is owed to the council, court or other body that instructed it, and that body can tell you how the debt arose.
Which debts do they collect?
Marston says it deals with liability orders issued by local authorities for unpaid council tax, magistrates’ court fines and penalty charge notices issued by local authorities. It also collects child maintenance arrears and other debts for public sector clients. GOV.UK lists it among the approved enforcement agents for magistrates’ court fines.
Are Marston genuine?
Ask any agent for their name, ID and certificate details and check the Certificated Bailiff Register. Marston says it follows standards set by the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) and the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA), and has an independent advisory group that reviews its ethics and procedures. The HCEOA lists Marston Recovery as accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board.
Scammers pose as bailiffs. Do not pay anyone who texts a payment link. Use the payment details on your letter or on Marston’s website.
Worried about what to do?
A free adviser can check the debt, look at your whole budget and deal with Marston for you. Get free debt advice.
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.
| Stage | What it covers | Fixed fee | Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance | The notice of enforcement sent by post | £79 | None |
| Enforcement | Visiting to take control of goods | £247 | 7.5% of debt over £1,900 |
| Sale or disposal | Removing and selling goods | £116 | 7.5% of debt over £1,900 |
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. Each fixed fee can only be charged once.
What can they do?
Enforcement agents can take control of goods you own, and if the debt stays unpaid, remove and sell them. They cannot take essentials such as clothes, bedding or a cooker, tools of your trade up to a set value, items that belong to someone else or children’s belongings. For council tax, business rates and parking debts they can only enter peaceably, through an open door or with your permission, so you do not have to let them in. They cannot arrest you.
They may visit between 6am and 9pm. Our guide to Bristow and Sutor bailiffs covers entry, vehicles, clamping and getting goods back in full.
What to do now
- Act at the compliance stage. For cases passed on or after 1 May 2026, you now get at least 14 clear days’ notice before an agent can take control of goods, and creditors can accept a payment plan in that time. Fees rise at each stage, so the earliest contact is the cheapest.
- Check the debt. Ask the council or creditor for details and check discounts, exemptions and your band. Only the creditor can withdraw the case.
- Offer a realistic plan. Base it on an honest budget and get it in writing. A plan you cannot keep can lead to more fees.
- Tell them if you are vulnerable. Illness, disability or a mental health problem should be taken into account. Send evidence.
- Get free advice. A debt adviser can speak to Marston for you, and Breathing Space can pause enforcement for 60 days.
How to complain about Marston
Marston has a three-stage complaints process. Start by contacting it by email at [email protected], through its online complaints form or by post. Complaints about enforcement agents now follow this route: complain to the company first, which should respond within 10 working days. If you are not satisfied, or it has not dealt with your complaint fairly or on time, you can take it to the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB), whose complaints adjudication service has taken new escalated complaints about agents and firms since 1 January 2025. For council tax and parking debts you can also go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in England, or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The trade body CIVEA no longer considers complaints about its members. For High Court enforcement, complaints can also go to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association.
Marston contact details
Marston (Holdings) LimitedAlso known as: Marston Recovery, formerly Rossendales
Post: PO Box 324, Rossendale, BB4 0GE
Phone: 0333 320 2540 (general customer line)
Council tax and child maintenance: 0333 320 2530
Website: www.marstonholdings.co.uk
Marston’s lines are also used as its payment lines. Check your letter for the number for your case, as clients can use different contact arrangements.
We are not associated with Marston. This information is provided to help people contact their creditors. Contact details change, so check the company’s website before you write or call. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Are Marston and Rossendales the same company?
Marston Holdings is the group, and its recovery business used to trade as Rossendales. Some councils still use the older name in their literature.
Can Marston bailiffs force entry?
Not for council tax, fines of this type or parking debts. They can only enter through an open door or with your permission, and you do not have to let them in.
Do they only collect council tax?
No. They also collect magistrates’ court fines, penalty charge notices and other public sector debts.
Can I pay Marston instead of the council?
Once a case has been passed to an agent, you usually pay the agent, who will tell you the full amount including fees.
What if I am vulnerable?
Tell Marston and the creditor as soon as possible and send evidence. Agents should take vulnerability into account under the national standards.