How to Stop Marstons Bailiffs

Q: 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.

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Worried about Marstons Bailiffs knocking at your door? You have more rights than you think. Here is everything you need to know to stop Marstons Bailiffs today.

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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.

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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: 10 April 2026

Who Are Marstons Bailiffs?

Bristow and Sutor is one of the UK’s longest-established enforcement agencies, founded in 1977 and based in Redditch, Worcestershire. They describe themselves as the UK’s leading provider for the collection of council tax debt, penalty charge notices, and non-domestic rate debts for the public sector. They work with over 140 local councils across England and Wales.

The debts Bristow and Sutor collect include council tax arrears, business rates, parking penalty charge notices, housing benefit overpayments, former tenant arrears, and commercial rent. They are members of CIVEA (the Civil Enforcement Association) and are accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board.

Bristow and Sutor 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.

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 Marstons Bailiffs Force Entry?

This is one of the most searched questions about Marston Debt Collectors 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 Marston’s size and the 2025 fee issue, it is especially important to check their paperwork carefully before responding to them. If you are unsure about any aspect of their contact, call us before you do anything else.

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

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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

No Matter How Much The Bailiff Pushes You To Sign Something DO NOT SIGN anything till you speak to us

DO NOT LET THEM IN

Do Not Feel Pressured To Allow The Bailiff In Your Home, You Are Under No Obligation To Let Them In

Contact Bailiff Help

Stop Bailiff Action

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

What Bailiff Action Have You Received?

First Name

Surname

Mobile Number

We Can Help You Manage Most Kinds of Unsecured Debt, Including:

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

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