How far can bailiffs like Marston go in order to collect debt?

[Maryelle]

Hey all, from a little research I understand that bailiffs have much greater legal powers than debt collectors but I'm wondering what real actions bailiffs like Marston group are permitted to go to collect debts owed?

[echat11]

Hi Maryelle

Here's some info, do you fall under the 'criteria' to be a 'vulnerable persons' - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/de...re-vulnerable/

Bailiff Powers - https://www.gov.uk/your-rights-bailiffs

[LizMarkley]

Hi Maryelle,

You're correct yes, Bailiffs have far superior legal abilities than the average debt collector as they are court appointed and in this case, Marston Holdings work for the HMRC as well as other local authorities.

As a result, in order to retrieve debt they are allowed to force entry through 'reasonable force' usually hiring a locksmith or using a key produced by a landlord. The orignal debt collectors or creditors ARE NOT allowed to do this or enter your property uninvited.

Furthermore, they are "allowed to repossess valuables and sell them at auction. But they cannot take everything you own. For example, if you own expensive tools to work or need your car for work, these are not allowed to be repossessed." - (MoneyNerd).

However, before any of this is permitted to happen, there would a whole series of procedures including notices from creditors, then debt collectors followed by court orders and CCJs before finally you would have received visitation notices from the bailiffs stating when they will be arriving.

I hope this answered your question.