UK Bailiffs Logo UK Bailiffs

Issuing A Statutory Demand for Payment

A statutory demand is a formal written request for payment of a debt, issued under the Insolvency Act 1986. It gives the debtor 21 days to pay or secure the amount owed. If they fail to comply, it forms the basis for a bankruptcy or winding-up petition.

When to Use a Statutory Demand

  • Debt over £750 (company) or £5,000 (individual)
  • No genuine dispute over the debt
  • Debtor has ignored prior requests for payment
Statutory Demand UK Bailiffs

When Can You Make a Statutory Demand?

You can issue a statutory demand to request payment of a debt from an individual or a company. Anyone owed money (the "creditor") can serve a statutory demand — no solicitor is required.

Key Eligibility Rules

  • Debt must not be more than 6 years old
  • Minimum debt: £750 for companies, £5,000 for individuals
  • No genuine dispute over the debt
  • Previous attempts to recover have failed

Once Served, the Debtor Has 21 Days To:

  • Pay the full amount
  • Agree on a repayment plan

If the debtor does not respond within 21 days, you may bankrupt them or wind up their company as a next step in formal enforcement.

How to Serve a Statutory Demand

You must deliver ( ‘serve’ ) the statutory demand form using an accepted method to ensure legal compliance.

Acceptable Ways to Serve a Statutory Demand

  • Deliver it in person to the individual who owes the debt (try all known addresses)
  • Leave it at the registered office or main business address of a company or partnership
  • Give it to a company’s director, secretary, manager, or principal officer
  • Use a professional process server to deliver it on your behalf

Note: You can only send it by registered post or put it through a letterbox if it cannot be delivered in person.

UK Bailiffs Statutory Demands team

How Can UK Bailiffs Help ?


Once you have decided to use a Statutory Demand, we can complete the paperwork and arrange for a Certificated Enforcement Agent to serve the paperwork on your debtor.


We will complete a notice of service and document the visit. This is important if the statutory demand is challenged in court


If you want to complete the statutory demand yourself, you can do by clicking HERE free of charge

๏ปฟ