Council Tax bailiff entry rights at your home

For ordinary council tax enforcement, an enforcement agent may enter premises without a warrant only to the extent permitted by Schedule 12. Entry to premises is generally by a normal means of entry and, for residential premises, the power does not create a general right to force an initial entry.^[1]

An enforcement agent may enter premises to search for and take control of the debtor's goods where the statutory conditions are met, but the rules restrict the times of day and protect certain persons and premises.^[2]

There are separate rules for re-entry where goods have already been taken into control. If the goods were taken into control under a controlled goods agreement, the debtor has breached the payment terms and the statutory conditions are met, Schedule 12 can permit reasonable force on re-entry after the required notice. That is legally different from forcing an initial entry merely because council tax is unpaid.^[3]

Keep doors locked and communicate through the door or in writing if you do not wish to admit an agent. Do not assault, obstruct or deliberately interfere with controlled goods. Record the name of the agent, company, council account and time of attendance.

If the agent claims a power to force entry, ask for the precise statutory basis and any court warrant or order relied on. A council tax liability order is not itself a general warrant authorising forced entry to a dwelling.

Where entry has already occurred, obtain the controlled goods agreement and inventory. The later right to re-enter may depend on what goods were lawfully taken into control and whether the agreement has been breached.

^{[1] Paragraphs 14-17 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Regulation 13 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and paragraphs 14-18 of Schedule 12
[3] Paragraphs 17 and 19A of Schedule 12 and regulation 25 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013}