Can a bailiff seize vehicles then reduce their value using storage costs?

Regulations state the costs for storing a vehicle as controlled goods.

The bailiff may recover disbursements that are reasonably and actually incurred.^[1]

If the bailiff is charging storage fees to store a vehicle, they are only recoverable from the proceeds of the sale, provided the bailiff can show the fee is reasonable and has actually been incurred.

If a debtor wishes to dispute the bailiff's fees and charges for storing a vehicle, the debtor can apply for a detailed assessment hearing.^[2]

The bailiff must show evidence of the flow of money he paid for storing your vehicle. That shows he actually incurred the disbursement.

If you have a dispute over vehicle storage fees, then gather evidence of the fees and charges demanded by the bailiff. You can ask the bailiff company for a 'statement of account'.

Check that the bailiff's figures comply with regulations dealing with the application of proceeds of the sale.^[13]

Apply to the DVLA using Form V888 to get the new keeper's name and address. Contact the buyer and ask in writing what they paid for the vehicle at the auction.

See if the bailiff correctly declared the auction price of the vehicle on the statement of account matches the buyer's purchase price.

Then apply to the court for a detailed assessment of the enforcement agents' fees and charges and exhibit the seller's price declaration and the bailiff’s statement of account.

In your application, you can ask the court to put the bailiff on strict proof that he paid the storage fees claimed.

If the bailiff cannot show he paid storage fees, then you can reclaim them.

^{[1] Regulation 8 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014

[2] Civil Procedure Rule 84.16

[3] DVLA Form V888. Request by an individual for information about a vehicle

[4] Regulation 13 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014}