Andrew James Enforcement Ltd
Received a letter or visit from Andrew James Enforcement Ltd? This guide explains who they are, what powers they have, your legal rights, and how to respond.
Who Are Andrew James Enforcement Ltd?
Andrew James Enforcement Ltd is a certificated bailiff company (enforcement agents) based in Swansea, Wales. They have authority granted by Swansea Civil Justice Centre to enforce debts throughout England and Wales.
Company Details:
- Company Number: 4869085
- Incorporated: 18 August 2003
- Bailiff Certificate Granted: 03 January 2019
- Certification Court: Swansea Civil Justice Centre
They may be visiting because:
- A local authority has instructed them to collect council tax arrears
- A court judgment (CCJ) has been issued against you
- Commercial rent arrears are being enforced
- Parking or traffic penalties remain unpaid
Contact Details
Andrew James Enforcement Ltd
Latheron Chambers 41 Mansel Street Swansea SA1 5SW
What Powers Do Andrew James Enforcement Have?
As certificated enforcement agents, Andrew James can:
They CAN:
- Enter your property peacefully through an unlocked door
- Take control of goods to sell at auction
- Charge enforcement fees (regulated amounts)
- Clamp vehicles on public highways
- Return for a second visit if the first was unsuccessful
- Force entry ONLY for certain debts (criminal fines, HMRC, previous entry)
They CANNOT:
- Force entry on first visit for council tax or most civil debts
- Enter through windows or break locks (first visit)
- Take essential items (clothing, bedding, basic furniture, tools of trade up to £1,350)
- Take items belonging to others (children, partners, lodgers)
- Visit between 9pm and 6am (unsociable hours)
- Enter if only children under 16 are present
Your Legal Rights
Notice Requirements
For most debts, Andrew James must give you:
- 7 days’ written notice before visiting (compliance stage)
- Clear breakdown of the debt and fees
- Original creditor details and reference numbers
During a Visit
You have the right to:
- Request identification - they must show a valid bailiff certificate
- See the warrant/documentation authorising their visit
- Not let them in - you can refuse entry (for most debts)
- Record the visit for your own records
- Request they leave if they entered without permission
Fee Limits (2024)
Bailiff fees are regulated by law:
- Compliance stage: £75
- Enforcement stage (first visit): £235 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,500)
- Sale stage: £110 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,500)
How to Respond to Andrew James Enforcement
Step 1: Don’t Panic
Receiving a bailiff letter is stressful, but you have rights and options.
Step 2: Check the Debt
- Verify it’s yours - could be a case of mistaken identity
- Check the amount - request a full breakdown including fees
- Check the date - some debts become statute-barred after 6 years
Step 3: Consider Your Options
If you can pay:
- Pay in full to stop all enforcement action
- Negotiate a payment plan directly with Andrew James
If you can’t pay:
- Don’t let them in - they cannot force entry for most debts
- Seek debt advice immediately
- Consider formal debt solutions (see below)
Step 4: Keep Records
- Note dates and times of all contact
- Keep copies of all letters
- Record any visits (you have the right to do this)
Can Andrew James Enforcement Force Entry?
For most debts: NO.
Andrew James can only force entry if:
- They have already been inside and taken control of goods
- The debt is for criminal fines or HMRC taxes
- They have a specific court warrant allowing forced entry
For council tax, parking fines, and most civil debts, they cannot force entry on their first visit. If you don’t let them in, they cannot break in.
What Items Can They Take?
Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):
- Clothing and bedding
- Basic household furniture (beds, chairs, tables)
- Medical equipment
- Items needed for childcare
- Tools of trade (up to £1,350 value)
- Items on HP or rental
- Items belonging to other people
Items They CAN Take:
- TVs and electronics
- Vehicles (if owned outright)
- Jewellery and valuables
- Musical instruments (unless tools of trade)
- Furniture beyond basic needs
Making a Complaint About Andrew James
If Andrew James Enforcement have treated you unfairly:
Step 1: Complain to the Company
Contact them directly at: Latheron Chambers, 41 Mansel Street, Swansea, SA1 5SW
Step 2: Escalate if Needed
- Swansea Civil Justice Centre - can revoke bailiff certificates
- CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association) - industry body
- Local Authority - if they instructed the bailiffs
- Citizens Advice - for guidance on complaints
Struggling With Multiple Debts?
If bailiffs are at your door, you likely have serious debt problems. Consider these solutions that legally stop all bailiff action:
Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Write off up to 70% of debt with legal protection from bailiffs. Check if you qualify.
Debt Relief Order - Complete debt write-off for those with low income and few assets.
Debt Management Plan - Reduce monthly payments to affordable levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Andrew James take my car?
Only if you own it outright. Vehicles on HP or lease cannot be taken. They can also clamp vehicles on public roads.
Will they keep coming back?
They may return several times, but each visit incurs fees. If you don’t let them in and have no valuable goods visible, enforcement becomes difficult for them.
Can they enter when I’m not home?
No. They cannot force entry for most debts, and entering when you’re not there would be unlawful for council tax and similar debts.
Should I pay directly or through the original creditor?
If a bailiff has been instructed, you usually need to pay through them. However, check with the original creditor first - sometimes you can still pay them directly.
Don’t let bailiff stress control your life. Check your debt relief options and take back control today.