First Enforcement Ltd

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

Who Are First Enforcement Ltd?

First Enforcement Ltd is a bailiff company (enforcement agents) based in Kent that provides enforcement and debt recovery services throughout England and Wales. They work with local authorities and other clients to collect various types of debt.

Company Details:

• Company Number: 02328814
• Registered Address: 3 Kingfisher House, Crayfields Business Park, New Mill Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 3QG
• Services: Council tax enforcement, parking penalties, traffic penalties, commercial rent arrears

They may be visiting because:

• Council tax arrears are outstanding
• Business rates remain unpaid
• Parking penalties or traffic fines are owed
• Commercial rent arrears are being enforced
• Other local authority debts require collection

Contact Details

First Enforcement Limited

3 Kingfisher House Crayfields Business Park New Mill Road Orpington Kent BR5 3QG

Company Number: 02328814

What Powers Do First Enforcement Have?

As certificated enforcement agents, First Enforcement 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 initial visit is unsuccessful
• Force entry ONLY in specific circumstances (after controlled goods, HMRC, criminal fines)

They CANNOT:

• Force entry on first visit for council tax or most civil debts
• Break locks or enter through windows (first visit)
• Take essential household items (beds, basic furniture, clothing)
• Take items belonging to others (must be the debtor’s property)
• Visit between 9pm and 6am
• Enter if only children under 16 are present
• Use physical force or threats against you

Your Legal Rights

Notice Requirements

Before their first visit, First Enforcement must:

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

During a Visit

You have the right to:

• Request identification - they must show a valid certificate
• See the warrant or liability order authorising their visit
• Refuse entry - keep your doors locked
• Record the visit - you can film or make audio recordings
• Ask them to leave if they entered improperly

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)

Any fees above these amounts can be challenged.

How to Respond to First Enforcement

Step 1: Don’t Panic

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

Step 2: Check the Debt

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

Step 3: Consider Your Options

If you can pay:

• Pay in full to stop all enforcement action
• Negotiate a payment arrangement
• Contact the council to discuss options

If you can’t pay:

• Keep all doors locked - they cannot force entry for council tax
• Seek free debt advice immediately
• Apply for council tax reduction if eligible
• Consider formal debt solutions (see below)

Step 4: Keep Records

• Retain all letters and notices
• Document all contact (dates, times, what was said)
• Record any visits for your protection

Can First Enforcement Force Entry?

For council tax and most debts: NO on the first visit.

First Enforcement 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 enter.

What Items Can They Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

• Clothing and bedding
• Basic household furniture (beds, chairs, tables)
• Essential appliances (cooker, fridge, microwave)
• Medical equipment
• Items needed for childcare
• Tools of trade (up to £1,350 value)
• Items on HP, finance, or rental
• Items belonging to someone else

Items They CAN Take:

• TVs and entertainment equipment
• Vehicles (if owned outright)
• Jewellery and watches
• Non-essential furniture
• Collectibles and valuables
• Musical instruments (unless tools of trade)

Making a Complaint About First Enforcement

If they’ve treated you unfairly:

Step 1: Complain to First Enforcement

Write to: First Enforcement Limited 3 Kingfisher House Crayfields Business Park New Mill Road Orpington, Kent BR5 3QG

Include your reference number and detailed complaint.

Step 2: Escalate if Needed

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

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

If First Enforcement are visiting, you may need help with your overall finances. These solutions legally stop all bailiff action:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - Possible write-off of qualifying debt after completion with one affordable monthly payment. Legal protection from all creditors. Check if you qualify.

Debt Relief Order - A formal option where qualifying debts may be written off after the DRO period if you meet the criteria.

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

Debt Management Plan - Reduce monthly payments to affordable levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can First Enforcement take my car?

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

Will they keep returning?

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

Can I pay the council instead of First Enforcement?

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

What if I wasn’t the person who incurred the debt?

Provide evidence that you’re not liable (e.g., you didn’t live there). Contact both First Enforcement and the council with this information.

Can they visit my workplace?

For residential council tax, they would typically visit your home. However, for business rates or commercial debts, they may attend business premises.

Compare your debt options. Use our free IVA calculator to explore your options today.

Sources checked

• GOV.UK bailiff powers for entry, visit and complaint rules.
• Citizens Advice bailiff guidance for practical doorstep rights.
• Companies House for company identity checks.
• MoneyHelper debt guidance for free debt advice signposting.
• GOV.UK options for dealing with your debts for debt solution context.