Enforcement Agents & Bailiffs
Agencies like Dukes, Jacobs, and Moorcroft usually act as data processors. The council is the controller. Use that.
Check the agent is certified
Ask for ID at the door and check the HMCTS Certificated Enforcement Agent Register. If the visit is from a High Court Enforcement Officer, check the official list.
Legal rails that protect you
- Taking Control of Goods (2013) — notices, entry rules, vulnerable persons.
- Fees Regulations (2014) — stage fees (Compliance £75; Enforcement £235 + 7.5% over £1,500; Sale £110 + 7.5% over £1,500) plus limited disbursements.
- National Standards (MoJ 2014) — behaviour, identification, and vulnerability handling.
- Complaints — use the council/creditor process and escalate using GOV.UK guidance.
Practical steps
- Send a SAR to the agency for visit logs, call recordings, body‑worn video, and authority from the council.
- Lodge an Article 21 objection to stop processing unless they justify it.
- Escalate to the controller (council) to recall and review vulnerability.
- Demand the fee breakdown and stage used.
Template to agency
Subject: Article 15 SAR and Article 21 objection – [Your name / refs] Text: Provide all data you hold. I object to processing under Article 21 pending a documented balancing test. Mark this account as vulnerable and suspend doorstep activity. Confirm in writing.
Template to council (controller)
Subject: Recall request and safeguarding failure review Text: You are the data controller for enforcement conducted by your agent. I request immediate recall and a vulnerability review. Provide your policy basis for escalation, equality assessments, and records of adjustments considered. Treat this as a complaint and provide a written response.