Get Started Free

Bristow and Sutor

Received a letter or visit from Bristow and Sutor? This guide explains who they are, what powers they have, your legal rights, and how to respond.

Who Are Bristow and Sutor?

Bristow and Sutor (Bristow & Sutor) is one of the largest bailiff companies in the UK, established in 1977. They primarily work with local authorities to enforce council tax and other local government debts throughout England and Wales.

Company Details:

  • Company Number: 02431123
  • Registered Address: Bartleet Road, Washford Industrial Estate, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 0FL
  • Established: 1977
  • Primary Clients: Local authorities, councils

They may be visiting because:

  • Council tax arrears are outstanding
  • Business rates remain unpaid
  • Parking fines or traffic penalties are owed
  • County Court Judgments (CCJs) require enforcement
  • Commercial rent arrears need collection

Contact Details

Bristow & Sutor

Bartleet Road Washford Industrial Estate Redditch Worcestershire B98 0FL

Telephone: 0871 677 0070 Company Number: 02431123

What Powers Do Bristow and Sutor Have?

As certificated enforcement agents (bailiffs), Bristow and Sutor can:

They CAN:

  • Enter your property peacefully through an unlocked door
  • Take control of goods to sell at auction
  • Charge regulated fees (amounts set by law)
  • Clamp vehicles on public highways
  • Return multiple times if the first visit is unsuccessful
  • Force entry ONLY after a controlled goods agreement or for certain debts

They CANNOT:

  • Force entry on first visit for council tax or most civil debts
  • Break locks or enter through windows (on first visit)
  • Take essential items (clothing, bedding, basic furniture)
  • Take items belonging to others (children, partners, housemates)
  • Visit between 9pm and 6am
  • Enter if only children under 16 are present
  • Use physical force against you or threaten violence

Notice Requirements

Before their first visit, Bristow and Sutor must:

  • Give 7 days’ written notice (for council tax and most debts)
  • Provide a clear breakdown of the debt and fees
  • Include information about your rights

During a Visit

You have the right to:

  • Request identification - they must show a valid bailiff certificate
  • See the liability order or warrant authorising their visit
  • Not let them in - you can refuse entry by keeping doors locked
  • Record the visit - you can film or make audio recordings
  • Ask them to leave if they entered without proper authority

Fee Structure (2024)

Bailiff fees are capped 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)

If you believe you’ve been overcharged, you can challenge the fees.

How to Respond to Bristow and Sutor

Step 1: Don’t Panic

Receiving bailiff correspondence is alarming, but you have legal rights and options.

Step 2: Check the Debt

  • Verify it’s yours - check names, addresses, and dates
  • Check the amount - request a full breakdown with all fees
  • Contact the council - you may be able to resolve disputes directly

Step 3: Consider Your Options

If you can pay:

  • Pay in full to stop all enforcement immediately
  • Negotiate a payment arrangement with Bristow and Sutor
  • Contact the council to discuss payment options

If you can’t pay:

  • Keep all doors locked - they cannot force entry for council tax on first visit
  • Seek free debt advice immediately
  • Apply for council tax reduction if you’re on low income
  • Consider formal debt solutions (see below)

Step 4: Document Everything

  • Keep all letters and notices
  • Note dates, times, and what was said in any contact
  • Record visits if they occur (you have this right)

Can Bristow and Sutor Force Entry?

For council tax: NO on the first visit.

Bristow and Sutor can only force entry if:

  1. They previously entered peacefully and you signed a Controlled Goods Agreement
  2. The debt is for criminal fines or HMRC taxes
  3. They have a specific warrant authorising forced entry

For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, keep your doors locked and they cannot legally break in on the first visit.

What Items Can They Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

  • Clothing and bedding for you and your family
  • Basic household furniture (beds, chairs, tables)
  • Essential appliances (cooker, fridge, microwave, washing machine)
  • Medical equipment and disability aids
  • Items needed for childcare
  • Tools of trade (up to £1,350 value)
  • Items on HP, finance, or rental agreements
  • Items belonging to other people in the household

Items They CAN Take:

  • TVs and entertainment systems
  • Vehicles (if owned outright, not on finance)
  • Jewellery and watches
  • Non-essential furniture
  • Collectibles, antiques, and valuables
  • Musical instruments (unless tools of trade)
  • Gaming consoles and computers

Vulnerable People Protections

If you are vulnerable due to:

  • Age, disability, or serious illness
  • Mental health conditions
  • Recent bereavement
  • Pregnancy or caring for young children
  • Language barriers or learning difficulties

Inform Bristow and Sutor and the council. They should:

  • Refer your case to debt advice services
  • Consider halting enforcement
  • Apply special consideration to your circumstances

Making a Complaint About Bristow and Sutor

If they’ve treated you unfairly:

Step 1: Complain to Bristow and Sutor

  • By Phone: 0871 677 0070
  • By Post: Compliance Officer, Bristow and Sutor, Bartleet Road, Washford B98 0FL

Include your reference number and full details of your complaint.

Step 2: Escalate if Needed

  • The Council who instructed them - contact their revenues department
  • CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association) - the industry body
  • Your Local Councillor - for council tax disputes
  • Credit Services Association (CSA) - if complaint relates to debt collection
  • Local Government Ombudsman - for council-related complaints
  • County Court - to legally challenge the enforcement

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

If Bristow and Sutor bailiffs are visiting, you may have serious debt problems that need addressing. These formal solutions legally stop all bailiff action:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Write off up to 70% of debt with one affordable monthly payment. Council tax can be included. Legal protection from all creditors. Check if you qualify.

Debt Relief Order - Complete debt write-off for those with low income and few assets.

Council Tax Debt Relief - Specific guidance for council tax arrears.

Debt Management Plan - Reduce monthly payments to affordable levels across all debts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bristow and Sutor take my car?

Only if you own it outright (not on HP, PCP, or lease). They can also clamp vehicles parked on public highways.

Will they keep coming back?

They may return multiple times, with fees increasing at each stage. If you don’t let them in, they cannot take goods from inside your home.

Can I pay the council instead of Bristow and Sutor?

Once bailiffs are instructed, payment usually goes through them. However, contact the council to check - sometimes direct payment is still possible.

What if I wasn’t living at the address when the debt was incurred?

You may not be liable. Contact the council with evidence (tenancy agreements, utility bills from another address) to dispute the debt.

Can they visit at weekends?

Yes, between 6am and 9pm on any day. However, they generally cannot visit on Christmas Day, Good Friday, or Sundays for council tax enforcement.

What if they’ve already been inside?

If they entered peacefully and you signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, they can return to remove listed items - and at this stage may be able to force entry. Seek urgent advice if this has happened.

Don’t let bailiff stress control your life. Check your debt relief options and take back control today.

Get Started for Free