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What is civil enforcement?

Civil enforcement is the collection of unpaid fines and taxes on behalf of local authorities and agencies. This involves a court process that allows enforcement agencies to use warrants and orders to take control of goods in lieu of payment.

Enforcement action can be an important trigger for people to seek much needed debt advice and support, and the profession has strict safeguards in place to ensure that the vulnerable are provided with the right protection. CIVEA’s members seek to secure payment from those who won’t pay, and support those who can’t pay.

To find out what we’re talking about today click here.

Click here for our animated guide to the enforcement process.



What would you like to know?

What we are talking about:

I must say that on every instance they [enforcement agents] have been helpful and courteous in what have been difficult circumstances for me

Business owner, Birmingham

I’m sure most people mainly complain about what I imagine is a very difficult job, but I would like to say that all the bailiffs that have ever attended my property(ies) have only ever been professional, courteous & realistic

Debtor

My husband and I are very pleased with your response and decision which resulted in an apology letter received last week, a bunch of flowers and a refund cheque.

Complainant, London

Thank you…for your professional and diligent manner which you have shown in this matter…I am extremely grateful for what you have done on my behalf

Complainant, Birminhgam

We would like to thank you again for the thorough and professional handling of the case.

Complainant, Warwick

The government wants to bring in a more effective Council Tax collection system which treats people more fairly, while ensuring the money required to fund public services is collected.

Ministry of Justice

Our role as a Government is to strike the right balance between ensuring that debts can be collected effectively while protecting debtors from enforcement agents’ aggressive behaviour.

Lucy Frazer, Justice Minister

Enforcement agents carry out an important job in often very challenging circumstances

David Gauke, former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

I must say that on every instance they [enforcement agents] have been helpful and courteous in what have been difficult circumstances for me.

Business owner, Birmingham

I’m sure most people mainly complain about what I imagine is a very difficult job, but I would like to say that all the bailiffs that have ever attended my property(ies) have only ever been professional, courteous & realistic.

Debtor

My husband and I are very pleased with your response and decision which resulted in an apology letter received last week, a bunch of flowers and a refund cheque.

Complainant, London

Thank you…for your professional and diligent manner which you have shown in this matter…I am extremely grateful for what you have done on my behalf.

Complainant, Birmingham

We would like to thank you again for the thorough and professional handling of the case.

Complainant, Warwick

I would like to thank you and all of CIVEA’s members for what they are doing to help us during this crisis.

Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, Paymaster General, July 2020

I understand that CIVEA’s post-lockdown support plan already sets out that CIVEA enforcement agents will not enter residential properties anywhere in England and Wales. I am grateful for the continuing cooperation and leadership shown by CIVEA at this difficult time.

Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor, October 2020

I am grateful for the steps the enforcement industry has taken to adapt to these [COVID-19] changes, and for your commitment to ensuring the balance required between the needs of the creditor and debtor in enforcement proceedings.

Alex Chalk MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, November 2020

0844 893 3922

CIVEA
PO Box 745
WAKEFIELD
WF1 9RJ

For general enquiries only, you can contact us by email (admin@civea.co.uk), letter or telephone.

If you have a complaint or concern about one of our members, please go to our complaints page for advice

CIVEA is unable to discuss complaint matters over the telephone and complaints should be sent in writing. This is to ensure that the details of your complaint are accurately recorded and understood which makes it easier in addressing your complaint thoroughly. Please advise if you have a disability, so that we can make reasonable adjustments.

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