The three fee stages
Compliance stage: £75. This is added when the enforcement agent first writes to you (usually a Notice of Enforcement 7 days before visit).
Enforcement stage: £235 plus 7.5% of any debt over £1,500. This is added when the agent visits your property.
Sale stage: £110 plus 7.5% of any debt over £1,500. This is added if the agent removes goods for sale.
How fees add up
On a £2,000 council tax debt: £75 (Compliance) + £235 (Enforcement) + 7.5% × £500 (Enforcement) = £347.50 in fees added at the visit stage.
If goods are removed and sold, add £110 + 7.5% × £500 = £147.50 more. Total possible fees on £2,000 debt: £495.
Fees are added by the enforcement company, not the council. They are collected first, then the balance goes to the council.
Paying at compliance stage saves money
If you can settle at the compliance stage (before the first visit), you avoid the £235+ enforcement fee.
Some councils and enforcement companies offer payment plans at compliance stage. Contact them within the 7-day compliance window.
Vulnerable debtors
Enforcement agents are required to check for vulnerability and can suspend action for vulnerable debtors. Age, disability, mental health, single parents with young children, and other factors are all potentially relevant.
You can request that the agent refers your case back to the council if you are vulnerable. Complaints about vulnerability handling go to the enforcement company and then to Citizens Advice or the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.