High Court Enforcement: what it is and how it works

High Court Enforcement is a faster, more effective way to enforce a county court judgment (CCJ). Instead of waiting months for county court bailiffs, you can transfer your judgment to the High Court and use High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) to recover your money.

What is High Court Enforcement?

High Court Enforcement Officers are private enforcement agents authorised by the High Court to:

• Collect debts on your behalf
• Seize and sell goods if the debtor won't pay
• Enforce court judgments

They're different from county court bailiffs:

When can you use High Court Enforcement?

You can transfer a CCJ to the High Court if:

• The debt is £600 or more
• The judgment is for a definite sum of money
• It's not a regulated consumer credit agreement

For debts under £600, you're limited to county court bailiffs.

How the process works

Step 1: Transfer to the High Court

Apply for a "writ of control" to transfer your CCJ. This costs £80.

You'll need:

• Your CCJ details (case number, amount, parties)
• The debtor's address
• A brief statement that enforcement has been unsuccessful

Step 2: Instruct an HCEO

Once you have the writ, instruct a High Court Enforcement company. There are many authorised firms in England and Wales.

Most work on a "no collection, no fee" basis - you only pay if they recover money.

Step 3: Enforcement action

The HCEO will:

1. Contact the debtor - Often a phone call or letter first
2. Visit the premises - Demand immediate payment
3. Seize goods - If payment isn't made, they can take goods to sell
4. Collect payment - Either on the doorstep or from sale of goods

Step 4: You receive payment

The HCEO collects their fees (charged to the debtor) and sends you your money.

What can HCEOs take?

HCEOs can seize goods belonging to the debtor that can be sold at auction:

Can take:

• Vehicles (unless on finance)
• Business equipment and stock
• Electronics, TVs, computers
• Furniture and household items
• Jewellery and valuables

Cannot take:

• Essential household items (beds, cookers, fridges)
• Tools of the trade up to £1,350 in value
• Items on hire purchase or finance
• Goods belonging to other people

How much does it cost?

Your costs:

• Transfer fee: £80

Debtor's costs (added to the debt):

• Compliance stage (first contact): £75
• Enforcement stage (visit): £235 + 7.5% of debt over £1,000
• Sale stage (if goods are sold): Additional fees

Example: For a £3,000 debt, the debtor could end up paying £3,000 + £75 + £235 + £150 = £3,460

You get your original debt. The HCEO fees come from the debtor on top.

Success rates

High Court Enforcement generally has significantly higher success rates than county court bailiffs. The difference is due to:

• Faster action (debtors have less time to hide assets)
• More professional approach
• Stronger legal powers
• Commercial incentive to succeed

When to use High Court Enforcement

Ideal situations:

• Debt is over £600
• Debtor has assets (vehicle, business stock, valuable goods)
• You want faster action
• County court bailiffs have already failed

Less suitable when:

• Debt is under £600 (not allowed)
• Debtor clearly has no assets
• Debtor is an individual with nothing to seize

High Court Enforcement for business debts

HCEOs are particularly effective for business-to-business debts:

• Businesses often have valuable stock and equipment
• The threat of enforcement disrupts their operations
• Commercial pressure to pay quickly
• Reputation concerns make them more likely to settle

What if they still don't pay?

If the HCEO can't recover the money (no seizable goods, debtor has nothing):

• You won't pay ongoing fees
• Your CCJ remains valid
• You can try other enforcement methods (attachment of earnings, charging order)
• The debt doesn't disappear