Finance expert Martin Lewis has issued crucial advice impacting hundreds of thousands across the UK. Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain on June 17, he addressed widespread concerns about bailiff tactics and outlined how his campaigning has led to a law change.
Martin Lewis on bailiff regulation
Lewis has long spoken out against bailiff practices, especially regarding council tax, and advocates for mandatory government regulation to protect vulnerable people. He warned that vast numbers are visited by unregulated bailiffs annually. The MoneySavingExpert founder is urging the government to stop "dragging its feet" on plans to mandate bailiff regulation. In this industry, five million bailiffs collect over a billion pounds yearly from debt-ridden Brits.
Lewis said: "1.7 million bailiffs are sent to reclaim council tax each year. Council tax is the most hideous, aggressive form of debt collection in the country."
How is the law changing and when?
Legislation surrounding council tax debt collection is set to change next April. Lewis described current collection as "the most hideous, aggressive form of debt collection." He warned that missing just one monthly payment can trigger a demand for the full year's bill within three weeks, with bailiff action swiftly following. However, a campaign victory means legislation will soon require a 63-day "breathing space" before councils can escalate the debt.
He explained: "Within three weeks of missing a single monthly payment, you can be asked to pay for the whole year. Within three weeks of that, if you haven't paid, bailiffs can be sent in after court. That's changing next April." Susanna Reid called it "a win for your campaigning." Lewis confirmed: "It is a big win. The law is changing, so you'll have 63 days breathing space before they can escalate it to a year."
Current bailiff regulation issues
Currently, the Enforcement Conduct Board operates as a voluntary regulator, leaving hundreds of thousands visited by unregulated bailiffs each year. Despite a government consultation in June 2025 acknowledging the need for an independent statutory regulator "with teeth," Lewis accuses the government of delaying. He highlighted devastating consequences: of five million bailiff visits yearly, three-quarters go to homes where residents struggle with mental health issues. Debt charity StepChange reveals bailiff visits harm mental health of 95% and physical health of 91%.
Lewis said: "Eight million debt collection enforcements in a year, five million bailiffs sent, three-quarters of homes where bailiffs go have people with mental health problems. That's why my Money and Mental Health Policy Institute charity has been calling for this change."
In April, the government unveiled a council tax overhaul following Lewis's campaigning. Local Government Secretary Steve Reed stated: "Too many families face aggressive enforcement action. We will stop this and make the system fairer."
What are your rights if bailiffs come knocking?
Lewis emphasized you are generally not obliged to answer the door. Bailiffs can only force entry in specific court-appointed circumstances, such as unpaid criminal fines, income tax, or stamp duty. He told viewers: "You do not need to open the door. There's only very limited circumstances where they can force entry."
Bailiffs cannot enter before 6am or after 9pm, nor if only children under 16 or vulnerable individuals are present. They are forbidden from lying or abusing powers. Lewis added: "They can't enter by force, can't enter if only under 16s or vulnerable people are in, can't enter after 9pm or before 6am. They can't lie or abuse powers. If you don't let them in, they can take things from outside your house and escalate costs. They can't take essentials or other people's items."
When asked if they can take your car, he replied: "If the car's outside the house, they can take it, unless you can argue it's needed for work." Bailiffs cannot seize essential household items or belongings of others. If you refuse entry, they may increase collection costs. For emergencies like repossession threats, Lewis advises contacting Citizens Advice or a local advice agency.
When can bailiffs force entry?
Bailiffs can only force entry (usually with a locksmith, not by kicking doors) in limited circumstances: to collect unpaid criminal magistrates' court fines, HMRC tax debts with court permission, or if you previously let them in, signed a Controlled Goods Agreement, and missed a payment. For civil debts like council tax arrears, credit cards, or parking tickets, they have no right to force entry.
What can bailiffs take?
According to Citizens Advice, bailiffs can take luxury items like TVs, game consoles, jewellery, antiques, vehicles on your driveway or public road, and jointly owned property. To prevent this, move your vehicle to a neighbour's private driveway (with permission) or lock it in a garage away from home. Items they cannot seize include clothing, beds, fridge, cooker, tools, computers or vehicles for work (up to £1,350 value), third-party possessions, children's belongings, toys, and pets.
