What is the difference between a bailiff and a debt collector

A bailiff is an enforcement agent,^[1] authorised by the court to take control of goods to pay the sum owed by the debtor.^[2][3]

Bailiffs recover unpaid council tax,^[4] traffic contravention debts.^[5] Magistrates court fines,^[6] and High Court writs.^[7]

Bailiffs cannot recover debts that arise from a consumer credit agreement.^[8]

Debt collectors have no enforcement power. They rely on asking you to pay the debt, getting you to admit the debt, or purchasing the debt from the creditor to give the collector a right to apply to the court to enforce payment,^[9] as a county court judgement,^[10] and transfer the judgment to the High Court for enforcement.^[11]

Bailiffs must carry evidence of their identity and his authority to enter premises, and show it on demand of the debtor, or anyone in charge of the premises being attended.^[12]

^{[1] Paragraph 63 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Paragraph 64(1) of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[3] Regulation 3 of the Certification of Enforcement Agents Regulations 2014
[4] Regulation 34 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992
[5] Civil Procedure Rule 75.6
[6] Section 76 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980
[7] Civil Procedure Rule 83.4
[8] Section 141 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974
[9] Section 136 of the Law of Property Act 1925
[10] Civil Procedure Rule 40
[11] Civil Procedure Rule 83.9
[12] Paragraph 26 of Schedule 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007}