Business Rates Enforcement Agents: What to Do After a Bailiff Notice

Direct answer: If an enforcement agent is pursuing business rates, check the notice, confirm the debt and enforcement stage, protect essential records, and contact the enforcement company or council immediately with a realistic proposal. Do not ignore the case or obstruct an agent.

Why has an enforcement agent contacted the business?

A council can take recovery action when business rates remain unpaid. After obtaining a liability order, it may instruct enforcement agents to take control of goods. The balance may include council costs and statutory enforcement fees.

An enforcement notice is not the same as an ordinary debt-collection letter. Read the company name, reference number, amount, enforcement stage and deadline carefully.

Immediate action checklist

1. Verify the case. Match the account reference and property address to the latest council bill.

2. Ask for a balance breakdown. Check the original rates debt, council costs, payments and enforcement fees.

3. Identify the stage. A notice of enforcement normally comes before an enforcement visit. Costs can rise once the case moves to the next stage.

4. Prepare an affordable proposal. Show how current business rates and the arrears will be paid.

5. Keep written records. Save notices, emails, payment receipts and notes of calls.

6. Get urgent advice where necessary. This is particularly important if the debt is disputed, the company is insolvent or essential business assets may be affected.

Documents to gather

• Latest business rates bill and account statement

• Liability order details, if available

• Notice of enforcement and any inventory or controlled-goods agreement

• Receipts for payments already made

• Ownership, hire-purchase or lease documents for disputed goods

• Recent bank statements and a short cash-flow forecast

• Evidence of vulnerability or exceptional circumstances

• Documents supporting a billing, occupation, relief or rateable-value dispute

Practical example

A company receives a notice demanding £18,000 within seven days. It can maintain its current rates but can only clear £6,000 immediately. A useful proposal should not simply state that the business cannot pay. It should show the £6,000 available, the date it can be paid, a schedule for the remaining balance and evidence that current instalments will continue.

The enforcement company may refuse the proposal, so the business should also contact the council and obtain professional advice before the deadline.

Can an enforcement agent take business assets?

Enforcement agents may take control of qualifying goods, but the rules are detailed and ownership matters. Goods belonging solely to a third party may not be the debtor's goods, although proof is often needed. Some items necessary for personal use or employment may receive protection, subject to statutory conditions and limits.

Do not hide, sell or move goods that have already been taken into control. If ownership or exemption is disputed, obtain advice and provide clear documentary evidence.

What if the business rates bill is wrong?

Separate collection from valuation. A dispute about rateable value is handled through the Valuation Office Agency process, while the council controls billing and recovery. A challenge does not normally stop collection automatically. Continue communicating with the council and enforcement company while the underlying issue is reviewed.

Fees and payment

Statutory fees may be added at compliance, enforcement and sale stages. Ask for a written statement showing how the balance has been calculated. Pay only through a verified method shown on the official notice or the enforcement company's official website, and retain the receipt.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Your rights when bailiffs visit

• GOV.UK: What enforcement agents can charge

• Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013

• GOV.UK: Introduction to business rates

Get help before the case escalates

Our Business Rates Bailiffs service can review the demand, check the account and help you prepare a case-specific response.

Call to action: Send Business Rate Advisors Ltd the latest bill, notice of enforcement, payment history and any ownership documents. If a visit is imminent, tell us the deadline and current enforcement stage.

Author: Steve Adams, Business Rate Advisors LtdReviewed by: Business Rate Advisors LtdLast updated: 17 August 2026

This article provides general information for businesses in England. It is not legal or insolvency advice. Enforcement rights and remedies depend on the facts and stage of each case.