Complaining about a Bailiff

Since the introduction of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations in  2014, there has been a significant reduction in the level of complaints against bailiffs/enforcement agents. However, with approx 6 million debts being enforced each year, it will always be the case that some complaints will be made. If you are looking at complaining about a bailiff to the local authority, to the Local Government Ombudsman, to CIVEA, or to the County Court you should find all the information that require on the following pages.

Complaining about a bailiff  to the Local Authority

If your complaint concerns the enforcement of a Liability Order or a penalty charge notice/congestion charge, then any complaint should first be sent to the relevant local authority.

Complaining about a bailiff to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO)

If you have complained to the local authority and are dissatisfied with their decision, you can request that the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) reconsider the response.

Complaining about a bailiff to CIVEA

CIVEA are the enforcement industries governing body. Unless a complaint has first gone through the bailiff companies full complaints procedure, it will not be considered by CIVEA. How to make your complaint to CIVEA is outlined on this page.

Complaining about a bailiff to the County Court

If you have a very serious complaint about a bailiff (enforcement agent), then there is a procedure whereby you may complain to the County Court that granted the bailiff his certificate. Such a complaint is referred to as an EAC2 compliant (previously called a Form 4 complaint) and should only ever be a last resort.

Certificated Enforcement Agent (Bailiff) Register

Whether you are considering making a complaint about the bailiff to the local authority, the Local Government Ombudsman, CIVEA or the County Court, you will first need to check the Certificated Bailiff Register to establish whether or not the enforcement agent is properly certificated.

Commentary from Bailiff Advice Online

If you consider that a bailiff/enforcement agent may have not have abided by the regulations and you  are considering a complaint about him or her, please feel free to contact us in confidence. You can email a question to us using our online Enquiry Form. Alternatively, you can contact our free helpline…details are here.