Same law, different letterhead
Councils across England and Wales contract a range of private enforcement firms to collect council tax arrears once a liability order has been granted. Alongside Bristow & Sutor and Marston, the names you're most likely to see include:
- Dukes Bailiffs (Dukes Enforcement)
- CDER Group (formed from the merger of Collectica, Dukes' rivals Equita and Ross & Roberts under one group)
- Newlyn plc
- Jacobs Enforcement
- Whyte & Co
- Rundles, Chandlers, and various regional firms
Whichever firm is chasing you, the Taking Control of Goods rules apply identically: the fees are fixed by law, entry rules are the same, exempt goods are the same, and your escalation routes are the same. Don't let an unfamiliar name — or a threatening tone — convince you otherwise.
The universal rules every firm must follow
- 7 clear days' written notice (Notice of Enforcement) before any first visit;
- No forced entry for council tax on a first visit — peaceful entry only. See your entry rights;
- Visits between 6am and 9pm only, with ID shown on request;
- Fixed fees: £75 (compliance), £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 (enforcement visit), £110 (sale stage) — nothing invented, nothing extra;
- Exempt goods protected: essential household items, work tools up to £1,350, other people's property — see what bailiffs can take;
- Vulnerability safeguards: agents must pause and refer cases back where the person is vulnerable — see bailiffs and mental health.
Dukes Bailiffs: what to know
Dukes act for many councils, particularly across the Midlands and South. They operate phone and online payment channels and will generally consider instalment arrangements — our payment plan guide applies in full. As with any firm, get any arrangement confirmed in writing and don't sign a controlled goods agreement on the doorstep.
CDER Group: what to know
CDER Group is one of the largest council tax contractors in the country. If your debt was previously with Equita, Ross & Roberts or Collectica, it may now appear under the CDER name — the case history, fees already charged and liability order all carry over. Ask for a full itemised statement if the balance looks unfamiliar, and check fees against the statutory scale.
Newlyn, Jacobs, Whyte & Co and regional firms
Smaller firms sometimes have less-developed vulnerability procedures, which makes putting things in writing even more important. If you're getting nowhere on the phone, email the firm AND the council together: councils remain accountable for their contractors, and a copied-in council complaints team has a way of improving a firm's flexibility.
Your escalation ladder — for any firm
- Negotiate a realistic arrangement with the firm (in writing, budget attached);
- Escalate to the council — request a hold, acceptance of your offer, or recall of the debt;
- Apply for Breathing Space — a 60-day legal pause on enforcement and fees while you get advice;
- Formal complaint — to the firm, then the council, then the Local Government Ombudsman / CIVEA if needed;
- Debt solution — an IVA or DRO legally stops enforcement for included debts and can write off what you can't afford.