Different Types of Bailiff and Types of Debt they collect.
The main purpose of the bailiff is the collection of debt. Their only means of enforcement is the legal authority to seize and sell goods to pay off a debt. However goods are rarely removed, the threat of seizure is usually sufficient to make people pay. There are two main types of bailiff:
County Court Bailiffs
They are employees of the County Court, and enforce County Court Judgements. These are usually for consumer credit debts such as bank loans.
Private Bailiffs
They are private firms used by the Magistrates Court to collect fines, and by local Councils (once they have obtained a Liability Order from the Magistrates Court) to collect Council Tax and Community Charge.
Contact and Identification
The bailiff must carry an identity card and show it on request.
County Court Judgement debts, council tax, community charge and fines can be collected anywhere in England and Wales.
County Court Judgement debts and fines can be collected at any time of the day.
Council tax and community charge should only be collected between 8.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, unless there are exceptional circumstances.