The Council can instruct a Certificated Bailiff to remove items belonging to you and sell them. This is known as levying distress and can be done:
- By any Certificated Bailiff (this is a person who is approved by the court)
- Anywhere in England and Wales
When bailiffs are in a property they can take goods with a value of the amount of debt owed to the Council. They will also add fees which will increase your debt. Please click here for details of these fees (This will open in a new window)
Walking possession
This is an agreement signed by the debtor that allows the goods to remain in the property providing an agreement is made to pay or until the goods can be removed. If the debtor does not keep up with the payment arrangement the bailiff will return and remove the goods.
Close possession
The bailiff stays with the goods until payment is made, or until the goods can be removed.
Seizure of goods
The bailiff removes goods from the property. Only goods belonging to the person on the Liability Order can be removed. A bailiff cannot remove certain goods. These include:
- Tools, books, vehicles and any other equipment that is necessary to meet the basic needs of you and your family
- Food, clothing, bedding, furniture and household equipment that is necessary to meet the basic needs of you and your family
The removed goods are sold at public auction to pay the debt that is owed.
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