Official Site Of Bailiffhelp.co.uk
How to Stop Marstons Bailiffs
Marstons Holdings is the UK’s largest civil enforcement company, processing over 1.5 million cases annually. If they have contacted you about an unpaid debt, council tax, parking fine, or court order, you are not alone and there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
This guide explains your rights, what Marstons can and cannot do, and how to act before they visit your home.
Over 1,000 clients have benefited from our services so far. Rated 4.9 on Feefo by verified clients.
- No judgement
- 100% Confidential
- Expert help
At Bailiff Help.co.uk, we act in contemplations of an appointment. we’ll refer you to a trusted partner for advice. All benefits and risks will be discussed during your initial assessment so you can make an informed decision. Fees apply for IVAs.
- We Handle All Bailiffs
Get In Touch
Review Your Options
Stop Bailiffs Today
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. Further Information – The Insolvency Service has produced a Guide for people struggling with debt in the United Kingdom.
Marstons Bailiffs 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: 12 June 2026
Who Are Marstons Bailiffs?
Marston (Holdings) Limited is a major UK judicial and civil enforcement services provider incorporated on 16 October 2001. The company works with central government, local authorities and private-sector clients, including Transport for London and hundreds of local authorities.
Marston reports processing around 1.4–1.5 million cases annually and recovering more than £850 million each year. The company employs approximately 5,000–6,000 people and operates one of the UK’s largest networks of certificated enforcement agents.
Its enforcement agents operate under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and recover debts such as council tax arrears, business rates, parking penalties, traffic debts, court fines and other court-ordered debts. The company participates in the Enforcement Conduct Board framework and its enforcement activities are governed by relevant legislation and court certification requirements.
01
Notice of Enforcement
Marstons must give you at least 7 days written notice before visiting. No notice, no valid visit.
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. Compliance costs £75, enforcement costs £235. They cannot charge more than this.
Can Marston Recovery Force Entry?
This is one of the most searched questions about Marston Recovery 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. Marstons Bailiffs 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 road traffic penalties, Marston 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 Marston have previously been inside your home and made a Controlled Goods Agreement, they may be permitted to return using reasonable force. For certain criminal fines or HMRC debts, additional powers may apply.
Given Marstons’ scale and resources, it is especially important to check their paperwork carefully. If you are unsure about the validity of any Notice of Enforcement, call us before you do anything else. We can review it in minutes.
Your Rights When Facing Marstons Bailiffs
Knowing your rights is the most powerful thing you can do when Marstons Bailiffs are involved. The law is on your side.
You can keep your door closed
Marston Debt Collectors cannot force entry on a first visit for most civil debts. Do not open the door. You are not legally required to.
They cannot visit outside hours
Marstons are not permitted to visit before 6am or after 9pm. Any visit outside these hours is unlawful under the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.
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, Marstons Bailiffs must make reasonable adjustments. We can help you use this.
How Can We Help You Stop Marston Debt Collectors
Marstons 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 upto 75% of what you owe
When Should You Get Help
- You've recieved 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
- Cant pay repayment plans set by them
If any of this sounds familiar, act now to protect yourself and your income
What Our Clients Say About Us
Marstons Bailiffs Came To My House What Should I Do?
If Marston Debt Collectors have already visited or are outside your home right now, stay calm and follow these steps.
DON'T SIGN ANYTHING
DO NOT LET THEM IN
Contact Bailiff Help
We Handle All Bailiffs
How Can We Help You Stop Marston Debt Collectors
Marston Debt Collectors 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
- Negotiate One Payment To All Debts Per Month
- No Obligation Assessment To Find Your Solution
- Protect Your Goods From Being Taken
- Stop Any Further Action From Bailiffs
- Stop Stress And Worry About Bailiffs
Get Bailiff Help Now Enquire Below
- Safe, secure & confidential
We Can Help You Manage Most Kinds of Unsecured Debt, Including:
Credit Cards
Personal Loans
Bank Overdrafts
Store Cards
Council Tax Arrears
Debt Collectors
Related Resources
Learn more about your rights and bailiff enforcement:
- What Can Bailiffs Take? — Full list of protected items
- Can Bailiffs Force Entry? — Your entry rights explained
- Bailiff Rights Explained — Complete guide to your legal protections
- What Is a CCJ? — Understand County Court Judgements
- What Happens If You Have a CCJ — Next steps after a judgment
- Stop Bailiff Action
- Stop Interest & Charges
- One Low Monthly Payment
Frequently Asked Questions About Marston Holdings Bailiffs
Did Marston Holdings overcharge people in 2025?
Yes. In 2025, the Enforcement Conduct Board confirmed that Marston Holdings had systematically overcharged thousands of people by applying multiple enforcement fees of £235 to cases involving multiple debts, when the law only permits one fee. Marston has launched a refund programme offering full refunds plus 8% interest. If you had multiple debts enforced by Marston between 2023 and 2025, contact us and we will check whether you are owed a refund.
Can Marston Holdings bailiffs take my car?
Yes, in some circumstances. If your vehicle is parked outside your property and is not on hire purchase or displaying a disabled badge, Marston may be able to clamp or remove it without entering your home. A car on finance is fully protected. Contact us immediately if Marston are threatening your vehicle so we can help you protect it.
What happens if I ignore Marston Holdings bailiffs?
Ignoring Marston will not make the debt go away and will make your situation significantly 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. Enforcement fees are added at each stage. Given Marston’s scale, they have significant resources to pursue debts. Contacting us early gives you far more options.
How much can Marston Holdings charge in fees?
Fees are fixed by law under the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014. The compliance fee is £75 and the enforcement visit fee is £235. If you have multiple debts being enforced at the same time, Marston can only charge one enforcement fee of £235 in total, not one per debt. If you have been charged more than this, you may be owed a refund with 8% interest.
Can Marston Holdings enter if only my children are home?
No. Marston 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 the Enforcement Conduct Board immediately. Contact us and we will help you make a formal complaint.
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
bailiffhelp.co.uk is a trading style of SLWB LTD (Company No. 16451543).
Registered Office: Second Floor A, Cheadle Place, Cheadle, Cheshire, England, SK8 2JX.
Adam Southard is authorised as a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner in the United Kingdom by the Insolvency Practitioners Association for SLWB LTD. We only provide advice after completing or receiving an initial fact find where the individual(s) concerned meet the criteria for one of our insolvency solutions, therefore, all advice regarding Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA) is given in reasonable contemplation of an insolvency appointment.
Adam Southard is licensed to act as an Insolvency Practitioner in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association. Office Holder No. 11930
Insolvency Practitioner Directory- Insolvency Practitioner Details (bis.gov.uk)
What you need to know about Individual Voluntary Arrangements
(Insolvency Service)
We provide solutions to individuals throughout the UK, We Will help recommend solutions available to your circumstances in which you can then make an informed decision about which solution you qualify for is best for you and your circumstances.