Refusing Entry
If the bailiff has not previously gained peaceful entry the debtor can refuse entry. The bailiff cannot force entry.
The bailiff will normally return to try to make contact and gain entry.
However, if the warrant to seize goods cannot be enforced, the next course of action will depend upon the type of debt:
County Court Judgements
The warrant will be returned to the county court. The creditor must decide whether or not it is cost-effective to ask the bailiff to visit again.
Council Tax and Community Charge
The warrant will be returned to the Council Revenues who will decide to take one of the following courses of action:
Committal proceedings
The debtor will be summonsed to the magistrates court for a means enquiry to decide how much the debtor can pay and/or whether or not they should be imprisoned.
Attachment of Earnings Order
If Revenues Office have details of the debtors employment they may ask for a deduction from the wages of the debtor.
Payment arrangement
If there are special circumstances a new payment arrangement may be agreed.
Fines
The warrant will be returned to the magistrates court and committal proceedings will be commenced.
The debtor will be summonsed to the magistrates court for a means enquiry to decide how much the debtor can pay and/or whether or not they should be imprisoned.