Get at least 28 clear days before Council Tax bailiff enforcement through a debt advice provider

From 1 May 2026 the ordinary Notice of Enforcement period is at least 14 clear days. There is now a statutory route to extend that minimum period to at least 28 clear days where a debt advice provider submits the request on the debtor's behalf before the existing notice period expires.^[1]

The statutory 28-day extension does not apply to a non-eligible business debt as defined by the regulations.^[2] Ordinary domestic council tax owed by an individual will not usually be a business debt.

The request should be made before the deadline shown on the Notice of Enforcement. If you need the extension, contact an appropriate debt advice provider immediately and give it the Notice of Enforcement, the council and bailiff references, the amount claimed and the deadline.

Ask the debt adviser to confirm in writing when the request was submitted and to whom. Send a copy to the council and enforcement company, and retain proof of delivery.

The 2026 amendments also require the Notice of Enforcement itself to tell the debtor about the availability of free debt advice and the possibility of the extended notice period.^[3]

The extension creates time to obtain advice and engage with the debt. It does not cancel the council tax or liability order. Use the additional time to check liability, affordability, vulnerability, deductions from earnings or benefits, breathing space and any defects in the enforcement process.

^{[1] Regulation 6(1A) of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, inserted by regulation 2(3) of the Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026
[2] Regulation 6(1B) and regulation 2 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, as amended
[3] Regulation 7(i)-(j) of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, as amended by regulation 2(4) of the 2026 Regulations}