Equita

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

Who Are Equita?

Equita (formerly known as Equita Limited) is one of the largest bailiff companies in the UK, operating throughout England and Wales. They are certificated enforcement agents who collect debts primarily for local authorities and government bodies.

Company Details:

Company Number: 01661951
Registered Address: Cobalt 5, Silver Fox Way, Cobalt Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE27 0QJ
Parent Company: Part of the Capita group

They may be visiting because:

Council tax arrears - their primary work
Business rates owed to local authorities
Parking fines and traffic penalties
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
High Court enforcement (through Equita’s HCE division)

Contact Details

Equita

Cobalt 5 Silver Fox Way Cobalt Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE27 0QJ

Telephone: 0191 229 5000

What Powers Do Equita Have?

As certificated enforcement agents, Equita 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 multiple times if the first visit 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
Break locks or enter through windows (first visit)
Take essential items (clothing, bedding, basic furniture)
Take items belonging to others (must prove ownership)
Visit between 9pm and 6am
Enter if only children under 16 are present
Use physical force against you

Your Legal Rights

Notice Requirements

For most debts, Equita must give you:

7 days’ written notice before their first visit
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
Ask them to leave if they entered without proper authority

Fee Limits (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)

How to Respond to Equita

Step 1: Don’t Panic

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

Step 2: Check the Debt

Verify the debt is yours - check name, address, dates
Request a full breakdown - original debt plus fees
Check if it’s statute-barred - 6 years for most debts

Step 3: Consider Your Options

If you can pay:

Pay in full to stop all enforcement action immediately
Request a payment plan from Equita
Contact the local authority to negotiate directly

If you can’t pay:

Don’t let them in - they cannot force entry for council tax
Seek 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
Record visits if they occur (you have this right)

Can Equita Force Entry?

For council tax and most debts: NO.

Equita can only force entry if:

They have already been inside and taken control of goods (signed a Controlled Goods Agreement)
The debt is for criminal fines or HMRC taxes
They have a specific warrant allowing forced entry

For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, Equita cannot break in on their first visit. Keep your doors locked, and they cannot legally enter.

What Items Can Equita Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

Clothing, bedding, and basic household items
Furniture needed for basic domestic needs (beds, chairs, tables)
Appliances needed for cooking and heating
Medical equipment and disability aids
Items needed for childcare
Tools of trade (up to £1,350 value)
Items on hire purchase or rental
Items belonging to someone else

Items They CAN Take:

TVs, games consoles, and electronics
Vehicles (if owned outright, not on finance)
Jewellery and watches
Antiques and collectibles
Furniture beyond basic needs
Musical instruments (unless tools of trade)

Vulnerable People Protections

Equita should have policies to protect vulnerable people. If you are:

Elderly or disabled
Suffering from mental health issues
Caring for someone vulnerable
Recently bereaved
Pregnant or have very young children

You should inform Equita and the local authority. They should refer you to debt advice services rather than continuing enforcement.

Making a Complaint About Equita

If Equita have treated you unfairly:

Step 1: Complain to Equita Directly

Phone: 0191 229 5000
Post: Equita, Cobalt 5, Silver Fox Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE27 0QJ
Keep a copy of your complaint

Step 2: Escalate if Unresolved

The Local Authority who instructed them
CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association) - the industry body
Your Local Councillor - for council tax cases
The Local Government Ombudsman - for council complaints
County Court - to challenge the enforcement

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

If Equita bailiffs are visiting, you may have serious debt problems. These solutions legally stop all bailiff action:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Write off up to 70% of debt with legal protection from all creditors, including council tax. 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 what you can afford.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Equita take my car?

Only if you own it outright. Vehicles on HP, PCP, or lease cannot be taken. They can clamp vehicles on public roads.

Will Equita keep coming back?

They may return multiple times, but each stage incurs additional fees. If you don’t let them in, they cannot take goods.

Can Equita visit at weekends?

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

What if I wasn’t home during their visit?

They should leave a notice. Check your doors - if they found an unlocked entrance, they may have entered to list goods.

Can I pay the council directly instead of Equita?

Once a bailiff is instructed, you usually need to pay through them. However, contact the council to check - sometimes direct payment is possible.

Take control of your debt situation. Check your eligibility for debt relief and stop bailiff visits permanently.