Equita

Received a letter or visit from Equita? This guide explains who they are, why they’re contacting you, your legal rights, and what to do next.

Who Are Equita?

Equita is a major debt collection and enforcement agency in the United Kingdom, formerly part of the Capita Group. Unlike many debt collectors, Equita also operates as certificated enforcement agents (bailiffs), meaning they have legal powers to enforce certain debts.

Equita primarily works with:

• Local authorities - collecting council tax and parking fines
• Government bodies - HMRC, courts, and public sector organisations
• Private companies - various commercial debt collection

They may contact you because:

• A local authority has instructed them to collect council tax or parking fines
• HMRC has instructed them regarding tax debts
• A court has issued a warrant for debt enforcement
• A company has passed your account for collection

Important: Equita’s role varies depending on the debt type. For some debts, they act as standard debt collectors. For others, they are enforcement agents with powers to visit your property.

FCA Registration: Equita is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activities.

Contact Details

Equita Limited

Spencer House 23 Sheen Road Richmond Surrey TW9 1BN

Telephone: 0333 320 4422

Website: www.equita.co.uk

Understanding Equita’s Different Roles

As Debt Collectors

When collecting standard debts, Equita has the same powers as other debt collectors - they can contact you by letter and phone but cannot enter your property or seize goods.

As Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs)

When acting as certificated enforcement agents for debts like council tax (with a liability order) or court judgments, Equita does have legal powers including:

• Visiting your property
• Taking control of goods (under certain conditions)
• Charging enforcement fees

Key distinction: Check your letter carefully to understand which capacity Equita is acting in.

Your Legal Rights

If Equita Are Debt Collectors:

They cannot:

• Enter your property
• Seize your belongings
• Force you to open the door

If Equita Are Enforcement Agents:

They must:

• Give you written notice before visiting (usually 7 days)
• Visit only between 6am and 9pm
• Show you identification and authorisation
• Give you the chance to pay before taking goods

They cannot:

• Force entry on their first visit (for most debts)
• Enter if only children are home
• Take essential household items
• Take items belonging to someone else
• Use violence or threaten you

How to Respond to an Equita Letter

Step 1: Identify the Debt Type

Your response depends on what type of debt Equita is collecting:

• Council tax: They may already have enforcement powers
• Parking fines: May have been escalated to enforcement
• Other debts: Likely standard debt collection

Step 2: Don’t Ignore It

Ignoring correspondence can lead to:

• Bailiff visits
• Additional enforcement fees (can be substantial)
• Attachment of earnings
• Further legal action

Step 3: Check the Amount

Verify the debt amount is correct, including any fees added. Enforcement fees follow a statutory scale:

• Compliance stage: £75
• Enforcement stage: £235 (plus 7.5% of debts over £1,500)
• Sale stage: £110 (plus 7.5% of debts over £1,500)

Step 4: Respond Based on Your Situation

If you can pay: Contact Equita immediately to arrange payment and avoid further fees.

If you can only afford instalments: Propose a payment plan. They may accept this, especially before the enforcement stage.

If you dispute the debt: Write to Equita and the original creditor explaining why. Enforcement should be paused while disputes are investigated.

If you’re vulnerable: Inform Equita if you have health issues, disabilities, or other vulnerabilities. They have obligations to treat vulnerable people fairly.

What Happens If Equita Visit?

If Equita enforcement agents visit your property:

1. You don’t have to open the door - they cannot force entry on a first visit for most debts
2. Ask for ID through the door or window - they must provide identification
3. Note the date, time, and what was said
4. Contact them afterwards to negotiate payment

If you let them in, they may:

• Take an inventory of goods (Controlled Goods Agreement)
• Return later to remove goods if you don’t pay

How to Complain About Equita

If Equita has treated you unfairly:

1. Complain to Equita directly in writing
2. Contact the creditor (e.g., your local council)
3. Report to the relevant professional body:
   • Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) for enforcement agents
   • Financial Ombudsman for consumer credit matters
4. Seek legal advice if they’ve broken the rules

Struggling With Equita and Other Debts?

If you have multiple debts, government-approved solutions can help:

Your Debt Solution Options

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

• Write off up to 70% of unsecured debt
• One affordable monthly payment
• Legal protection from most creditors

Note: Council tax arrears may not be included in an IVA, but other debts can be.

Check if you qualify with our free IVA calculator

Debt Relief Order (DRO)

If you have:

• Debts under £30,000
• Little disposable income
• Assets under £2,000
• Costs £90, debts written off after 12 months

Debt Management Plan (DMP)

An informal arrangement with reduced monthly payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Equita break into my house?

Generally no. They cannot force entry on a first visit for most debts. Exceptions include when collecting certain fines or if they’ve previously gained peaceful entry.

What can Equita take?

They can take non-essential items you own, but NOT: essential household items, tools of your trade (up to £1,350), items belonging to others, or items on hire purchase.

Can I stop Equita visiting?

Pay the debt or agree a payment plan before they visit. Once they have a Controlled Goods Agreement, it’s harder to stop them returning.

What if I can’t afford to pay?

Contact Equita immediately and explain your circumstances. Seek free debt advice from Citizens Advice or StepChange.

Take control of your debt situation. Use our free IVA calculator to see how much you could write off.