Mid Kent Enforcement Services

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

Who Are Mid Kent Enforcement Services?

Mid Kent Enforcement Services is a bailiff company (enforcement agents) operating primarily in Kent and the South East of England. They work mainly with local authorities to enforce council tax and other local government debts.

Company Details:

• Company Number: 08578243
• Registered Address: Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6JQ
• Primary Clients: Local authorities, councils

They may be visiting because:

• Council tax arrears are outstanding
• Business rates remain unpaid
• Parking fines are being enforced
• Other local authority debts require collection

Contact Details

Mid Kent Enforcement Services

Maidstone House King Street Maidstone Kent ME15 6JQ

Company Number: 08578243

What Powers Do Mid Kent Enforcement Have?

As certificated enforcement agents (bailiffs), Mid Kent Enforcement can:

They CAN:

• Enter your property peacefully through an unlocked door
• Take control of goods to sell at auction
• Charge regulated fees (set by law)
• Clamp vehicles on public highways
• Return for further visits if the first 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 (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

Your Legal Rights

Notice Requirements

For council tax and similar debts:

• 7 days’ written notice must be given before the first visit
• Clear breakdown of the debt and any fees charged
• Details of the original creditor (usually the council)

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 (keep doors locked)
• Record the visit for your own protection
• Ask them to leave if they entered without proper authority

Fee Limits (2024)

Bailiff fees are regulated:

• 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 they charge more than these regulated amounts, you can challenge the fees.

How to Respond to Mid Kent Enforcement

Step 1: Don’t Panic

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

Step 2: Check the Debt

• Verify it’s yours - check names, address, dates
• Check the amount - request a full breakdown with fees
• Contact the council - sometimes disputes can be resolved directly

Step 3: Consider Your Options

If you can pay:

• Pay in full to stop all enforcement immediately
• Negotiate a payment plan with Mid Kent Enforcement
• Contact the council to discuss payment options

If you can’t pay:

• Keep your doors locked - they cannot force entry for council tax
• Seek debt advice immediately (StepChange, Citizens Advice)
• Apply for council tax support 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 (this is your right)

Can Mid Kent Enforcement Force Entry?

For council tax: NO on the first visit.

Mid Kent Enforcement can only force entry if:

1. They have already been inside and you signed a Controlled Goods Agreement
2. The debt is for criminal fines or HMRC taxes (rare for them)
3. They have a specific court warrant allowing forced entry

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

What Items Can They Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

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

Items They CAN Take:

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

Vulnerable People

If you are vulnerable due to:

• Age or disability
• Mental health issues
• Serious illness
• Recent bereavement
• Pregnancy or caring for young children

Inform Mid Kent Enforcement and the council. They should refer your case to debt advice services and may halt enforcement while you get help.

Making a Complaint About Mid Kent Enforcement

If they’ve treated you unfairly:

Step 1: Complain to the Company

Write to: Mid Kent Enforcement Services Maidstone House King Street Maidstone Kent ME15 6JQ

Include your reference number and specific complaint details.

Step 2: Escalate if Needed

• The Council who instructed them - contact their revenues department
• CIVEA (Civil Enforcement Association) - if they’re members
• Your Local Councillor - for council tax disputes
• Local Government Ombudsman - for council-related complaints
• County Court - to challenge the enforcement legally

Struggling With Multiple Debts?

If Mid Kent Enforcement are visiting, your finances may need broader help. 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. Council tax can be included. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mid Kent Enforcement take my car?

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

Will they keep coming back?

They may return several times, adding fees each stage. If you don’t let them in, they’ll find it difficult to take goods, but fees will still accumulate.

Can I pay the council directly instead?

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

What if I wasn’t living at the address when the council tax was due?

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

Can they visit at weekends?

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

Take control of your council tax debt. Use our free IVA calculator and explore your options.