Do not ignore the notice
Deadlines matter and further action may add costs. Keep the letter, envelope, emails and any text messages together.
Independent help and practical next steps
Struggling with Debt or Facing Enforcement?
Do not ignore a letter or notice. Acting early gives you the best chance to understand the debt, obtain free advice and explain any circumstances that may affect how your case should be handled.
Important: asking for advice or making a payment offer does not by itself suspend enforcement. A proposal is not agreed until it has been accepted, and only formal protections—such as a notified Breathing Space covering the debt—have their specified legal effect.
A clear first response
Six steps that can help you regain control
You do not need to solve everything in one call. Start by gathering the right information and being honest about what you can manage.
Check who is contacting you
Confirm the company, creditor, reference and amount. If UK Bailiffs is named, you can verify an enforcement agent.
Make contact promptly
Use the details on the notice. Have the reference ready and tell the case handler if you are seeking independent advice.
Explain vulnerability
Tell the company about illness, disability, bereavement, pregnancy, language needs or other circumstances affecting your ability to engage.
Work out what is affordable
List essential household costs, income and other debts. Do not promise a payment you know you cannot maintain.
Get independent advice
A free debt adviser can check benefits, priorities and formal options, and may assess whether Breathing Space is appropriate.
Know what applies
Contact, payment proposals and Breathing Space
These are separate things. Understanding the difference helps prevent assumptions that could make the position worse.
If you cannot pay in full
Contact the organisation dealing with the case and explain your circumstances. You may be asked for an income-and-expenditure assessment and evidence supporting what you have told them.
- Offer only what is genuinely sustainable.
- Ask for any agreement to be confirmed.
- Keep a record of calls, emails and payments.
- Tell the case handler promptly if circumstances change.
Please note:
an enforcement company or creditor is not required to accept every proposed arrangement.
Breathing Space
The Debt Respite Scheme may give an eligible person in England or Wales temporary protection from creditor contact, interest, charges and enforcement for qualifying debts. Standard Breathing Space can last up to 60 days.
- You cannot start it yourself; an authorised debt adviser must assess and apply.
- Not every debt or liability is included.
- You must continue meeting ongoing liabilities and engage with the adviser.
- Mental health crisis Breathing Space has different rules and duration.
Free and independent
Trusted organisations that can help
These organisations are independent of UK Bailiffs. We receive no payment or referral fee for listing them.
StepChange Debt Charity
Free debt advice online and by telephone, including budgeting and help understanding possible debt solutions.
National Debtline
Free, confidential and independent debt advice for people in England, Wales and Scotland, with telephone and online options.
Citizens Advice
Independent help with debt, benefits, housing, employment and consumer problems, including access to local services.
Business Debtline
Free advice for self-employed people and small businesses dealing with business debts and cash-flow pressure.
Not sure which service is right?
MoneyHelper’s debt advice locator can find free confidential support by telephone, online or face to face.
Tell us if you need support
Vulnerability and communication needs
Vulnerability is not always visible or permanent. If UK Bailiffs is handling your case, tell us as early as possible so the information can be considered and appropriate adjustments explored.
What should I tell you?
Explain what is affecting you, how it affects your ability to understand, communicate or deal with the matter, and what support would help. We may ask for evidence where it is reasonable and proportionate, but you should not delay making initial contact while obtaining it.
If you want a relative, support worker or adviser to deal with us, we may need your authority before discussing case details with them.
Other urgent concerns
Debt can affect more than finances
Use the specialist route that fits the immediate problem. These services are independent from UK Bailiffs.
Housing or homelessness
For housing rights or homelessness help in England, contact Shelter. In Wales, use Shelter Cymru.
Shelter England →Shelter Cymru →
Immediate emotional support
Samaritans provides confidential support at any time. Call free on 116 123.
Call 116 123Contact Samaritans →
Safety or mental health crisis
If there is an immediate danger to life, call 999. For urgent mental health help, use NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
NHS urgent help → Common questions
Before you contact us
Can UK Bailiffs give me debt advice?
No. We can explain the matter we are handling, receive relevant information and discuss what the instructing client permits us to consider. Independent debt advice should come from a regulated or recognised advice provider.
Does contacting a debt adviser stop enforcement?
No, not by itself. A debt adviser may help you communicate, assess available solutions or apply for formal protection where you qualify. Until protection is formally in force and notified, do not assume action has stopped.
What if the debt or amount is wrong?
Raise the issue promptly with the company named on the notice and seek independent advice. Provide concise details and copies of relevant evidence. A dispute does not automatically suspend enforcement unless the creditor, a court or the applicable legal process says it should.
What if the goods belong to someone else?
Tell the enforcement company promptly. The owner may need to provide evidence such as receipts, finance documents, bank records or other proof. Independent legal advice may be appropriate where ownership is disputed.
Can someone speak to UK Bailiffs for me?
Yes, but we may require your clear authority and need to complete identity and data-protection checks before discussing case information with a third party.
Has UK Bailiffs contacted you?
Use the reference and contact details on your letter or notice. For general help identifying correspondence from us, call or email the team. We cannot discuss a case until appropriate security checks have been completed.
This page provides general information and independent signposting for people in England and Wales. It is not legal, financial or medical advice. External organisations are responsible for their own services, availability and content. Last reviewed: September 2026.
