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How to Stop CDER Group Bailiffs
CDER Group (Compliant Data-led Engagements and Resolutions) is one of the UK’s largest enforcement agencies working with 200+ local authority clients. If they have contacted you about council tax arrears, parking fines, court fines, or other unpaid debts, you are not alone and there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
This guide explains your rights, what CDER Group can and cannot do, and how to act before they visit your home.
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CDER Group Bailiff at your door? Don't panic.
You do NOT have to let them in. Read on to understand your rights before you do anything.
- Written By Bailiff Help Editorial Team
- Last Updated: 17 September 2026
Is CDER Group legitimate, or is it a scam?
CDER Group is a genuine, licensed enforcement company, not a scam. If you have received a letter or a visit from them, it is real and should not be ignored.
CDER Group Limited is a registered UK company and one of the largest enforcement agencies in the country. Their agents are certificated by the County Court and must follow the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. They work for public bodies rather than private lenders, which is why the debt is almost always council tax, a parking fine, or a court fine.
You may see the company referred to as CDER, CDER Group Ltd, CDER Group Limited, CDER Enforcement, or occasionally misspelled as Cedar Group. These are all the same organisation.
How to check a letter is genuine
A real Notice of Enforcement will show your name and address, the amount owed, the creditor it is being collected for, a reference number, and the enforcement agent’s details. Be cautious if a letter demands immediate payment to an unusual account, gives no creditor name, or has no reference number. If anything looks wrong, do not pay. Send it to us and we will check it.
Legitimate does not mean unlimited powers
CDER Group operate under strict legal limits on when they can visit, what they can take, and what they can charge. Those limits are set out below, and they work in your favour.
Who are CDER Group Bailiffs?
CDER Group stands for Compliant Data-led Engagements and Resolutions. They are one of the UK’s largest enforcement agencies, trusted by over 200 local authority clients nationwide, as well as TfL, National Highways, and His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service. They collect council tax arrears, business rates, parking fines, road traffic charges, magistrates court fines, and commercial rent arrears.
CDER Group also absorbed three other enforcement companies including JBW Bailiffs, Phoenix Commercial Collections, and Collect Services. If you previously had dealings with any of those companies, your account is now managed by CDER Group.
CDER Group agents are certificated enforcement agents and must follow the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. They have to follow a strict process before taking any action, and that process gives you time and rights to act.
Who do CDER Group collect for?
CDER Group work almost entirely for public bodies rather than private lenders. Their clients include:
Local councils, for council tax arrears, business rates and housing benefit overpayments
Transport for London, for the congestion charge, ULEZ and penalty charge notices
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, for court fines and orders
National Highways, for road traffic penalties
Parking authorities, for unpaid penalty charge notices
This matters more than it first appears. The creditor is who you can complain to. If fees look wrong or an agent behaves improperly, the council that instructed CDER Group has the power to recall the case or cancel charges. That route is often more effective than complaining to the enforcement company alone, and most people never try it.
01
Notice of Enforcement
CDER Group must give you at least 14 clear days’ written notice before visiting (7 days for cases lodged before 1 May 2026). No notice, no valid visi
02
Controlled Goods Agreement
On a first visit they can only list your belongings. They cannot remove anything.
03
Fixed Fee Schedule
Fees are set by law. For cases from 1 May 2026: compliance £79, enforcement £247. Cases lodged before then: £75 and £235. They cannot charge more than this.
I've received a letter from CDER Group, what happens now?
A letter from CDER Group means a debt has reached the enforcement stage. It is not a warning about something that might happen later. Enforcement has already been authorised by the creditor.
The most common letter is a Notice of Enforcement, which tells you who the debt is owed to, how much is owed including fees added so far, and the date after which an agent can attend.
You now have at least 14 clear days before anyone can visit. That increased from 7 days on 1 May 2026. If your case reached CDER Group before that date, the older 7 day period applies instead.
That window exists specifically so you can get advice or make an arrangement before a visit happens. It is the best opportunity you will get, and it closes quickly.
Two things not to do: do not ignore it, and do not pay straight away without checking the amount is right. Fees are added at each stage and mistakes do happen, particularly where more than one debt is involved.
Send us the letter and we will check the debt, the fees, and the notice period before you respond to anything.
Can CDER Group Bailiffs Force Entry?
This is one of the most searched questions about CDER Group and the answer matters before you do anything else. Many people open the door out of fear, not realising they do not have to.
Short Answer
In most cases, no. CDER Group cannot force entry into your home for council tax, parking fines, or most civil debts. They can only enter through an open or unlocked door, or if you invite them in.
For most civil debts including council tax, parking fines, and business rates, CDER Group cannot force entry into your home on a first visit. They can only enter through a door or window that is already open or unlocked. This is known as peaceful entry.
There are limited exceptions. If CDER Group have previously been inside your home and made a Controlled Goods Agreement, they may be permitted to return. If they hold a warrant for certain magistrates court fines or criminal debts, additional powers may apply.
GOV.UK lists CDER Group as an Approved Enforcement Agent, which means they operate under specific government authorisation. This does not give them the right to force entry on a first visit for most debts.
If you are unsure what type of debt CDER Group are collecting, ask them to post the Notice of Enforcement through your letterbox and call us before you do anything else.
Your Rights When Facing CDER Group Bailiffs
Knowing your rights is the most powerful thing you can do when CDER Group are involved. The law is on your side.
You can keep your door closed
CDER Group cannot force entry on a first visit for civil debts. Do not open the door. You are not legally required to.
They cannot visit outside hours
CDER Group are not permitted to visit before 6am or after 9pm. Any visit outside these hours is unlawful.
Essential items are protected
They cannot take items needed for work (up to £1,350), basic furniture, children's belongings, or medical equipment.
Ask for ID and paperwork
Always request their enforcement agent certificate and the notice of enforcement. They must show these by law.
Vulnerable people have extra protection
If you or someone in your home has a serious illness, disability, or mental health condition, CDER Group must make reasonable adjustments. We can help you use this.
What CDER Group can charge you
CDER Group’s fees are fixed by law and they cannot charge more than the set amounts. The fees changed on 1 May 2026.
| Stage | Cases from 1 May 2026 | Cases before 1 May 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance (writing to you) | £79 | £75 |
| Enforcement (visiting you) | £247 | £235 |
| Sale (taking and selling goods) | £116 | £110 |
| Total fixed fees | £442 | £420 |
| Percentage fee (7.5%) applies above | £1,900 | £1,500 |
Which column applies depends on when your case was passed to CDER Group, not on today’s date. Cases lodged before 1 May 2026 stay on the old scale until they conclude.
If CDER Group are collecting more than one debt from you, they can charge a compliance fee for each debt, but only one enforcement fee and one sale fee in total. If your bill shows two or more enforcement fees, that is very likely an overcharge.
They cannot charge you VAT.
Send us your fee breakdown and we will check whether you have been charged correctly.
See the full breakdown of bailiff fees and how to challenge them
How Can We Help You Stop CDER Group Bailiffs
CDER Group Bailiffs can only take action within strict legal limits but without quick action, they may still visit your home and take your belongings. If you’ve received a letter, call, or visit from a bailiff, we can step in today to protect you.
Debts You Could Write Off
- Council Tax Arrears & Bailiff Action
- Credit Cards, Overdrafts & Personal Debt
- Store Card & Catalogue Debts
- Court Summons Or CCJs
- Utility Bills Arrears
- Payday Loans
If any of these apply to you, you may be able to write off up to 75% of what you owe, depending on your circumstances
When Should You Get Help
- You've received a Notice of Enforcement
- Bailiffs contacting you by phone
- You've Had A CCJ Or Enforcement Warning
- You have had goods threatened with removal
- Worrying About What Happens Next
- Can't pay repayment plans set by them
If any of this sounds familiar, act now to protect yourself and your income
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CDER Group Bailiffs Came To My House What Should I Do?
These three simple steps are designed to help you stay calm, stop bailiff action, and protect your rights before things go any further.
DON'T SIGN ANYTHING
DO NOT LET THEM IN
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How Can We Help You Stop CDER Group Bailiffs
Bailiffs can only take action within strict legal limits but without quick action, they may still visit your home and take your belongings. If you’ve received a letter, call, or visit from a bailiff, we can step in today to protect you.
We Can Help You:
- Stop Or Pause Visits From Bailiffs
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- Protect Your Goods From Being Taken
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We Can Help You Manage Most Kinds of Unsecured Debt, Including:
Credit Cards
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Bank Overdrafts
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Frequently Asked Questions About CDER Group
Can CDER Group bailiffs take my car?
Yes, in some circumstances. If your vehicle is parked outside your property and is not on hire purchase, CDER Group may be able to clamp or remove it. A car on finance is protected as it is not legally yours until the final payment is made. A vehicle displaying a disabled badge is also protected. Contact us immediately if CDER Group are threatening your vehicle.
What happens if I ignore CDER Group bailiffs?
Ignoring CDER Group will not make the debt go away and will make your situation worse. If you do not respond to their Notice of Enforcement they will visit your home, and if they gain peaceful entry they can list your goods under a Controlled Goods Agreement. Enforcement fees of £247 are added to your debt at this stage. Contacting us early gives you far more options to resolve the situation.
Did CDER Group take over JBW Bailiffs?
Yes. As of August 2020, JBW Bailiffs became part of CDER Group, along with Phoenix Commercial Collections and Collect Services. If you had an existing arrangement or debt with any of these companies, it is now managed by CDER Group under the same terms.
How much can CDER Group charge in fees?
CDER Group’s fees are set by law. For cases from 1 May 2026: £79 compliance, £247 enforcement visit, £116 sale stage. For cases lodged before that date: £75, £235 and £110. They cannot charge beyond these amounts, cannot add VAT, and can only charge one enforcement fee however many debts they are collecting. If you think you have been overcharged, send us your fee breakdown and we will check it.
Can CDER Group enter if only my children are home?
No. CDER Group cannot enter a property if only children under 16 are present. This is a specific protection under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. If this has happened, it is a serious breach and should be reported to us immediately so we can help you make a formal complaint.
Can I deal with the council instead of CDER Group?
Sometimes. Once a debt is with enforcement agents, the council will usually direct you back to them. But councils retain the power to recall a case, particularly where there is vulnerability, a disputed liability, or clear hardship. It is worth pursuing in the right circumstances, and we can help you make that case.
What happens if CDER Group can't collect anything?
If there are no goods worth taking and no payment is made, the case is usually returned to the council, which then decides how to proceed. That might mean an attachment of earnings, deductions from benefits, or other recovery methods.
You can visit the Money Helper website to find out more about managing your money and to get free advice, they are an independent service set up to help people manage their money
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