GLOSSARY
Arrest Warrant
A Warrant authorising us to apprehend an individual and bring them to Court. Warrants fall into 2 categories: one with Bail and one without Bail.
Bailiff
A person who is employed to obtain payment of a debt whether by removal or threat of removal of goods.
Bailiffs Certificate
This is a certificate awarded by a County Court Judge when they have been satisfied that the bailiff is a "fit and proper" person. The Certificate contains photographic identity of the bailiff, will be personally signed by the Judge and carry the court seal. This certificate should be available for inspection when carrying out their work. A bailiff in possession of a certificate is known as a Certificated Bailiff.
Business Rates
A property based tax on commercial premises. Paid to Local Authorities by individuals or businesses to pay for service provided.
Civil Enforcement Agents
Agents who are authorised to enforce local taxation recovery, commercial rent recovery or parking penalties.
Commercial Rent
Monies paid by the occupant of commercial premises to the owner or agent acting for the owner.
Council Tax
A property based tax on domestic properties paid to Local Authorities for the use of services provided.
Creditor
A person or organisation to which money is owed.
Debtor
A person who owes a sum of money.
Decriminalised Parking
Local Authorities are now able to take control of parking from the police and can issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the event of a parking offence.
Distraint/ Distress
The process of removing or threat of removal of goods for sale to raise money to help pay a debt.
Enforcement
The lawful steps taken to compel the payment of a debt. This could include, for some types of debt, the seizure and sale of goods, arrest, attachment of earnings, etc.
Enforcement Agent
An alternative name for a certificated bailiff.
Forfeiture
Commercial leases that give the landlord the right to terminate a lease provided that the rent is in arrears by issuing a Warrant of Forfeiture. The landlord gives authority to a bailiff to gain entry and secure the premises.
Levy
A legal step that is necessary to allow a bailiff to remove and sell goods to enforce payment of a debt. The bailiff will prepare an inventory of goods that will be removed if the debt is not paid.
Liability Order
An order made in the Magistrates Court empowering the local authority to carry out a range of enforcement methods including the seizure and sale of goods to recover the debt. The billing authority must send a letter 14 days before bailiff action can be taken.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
A fine issued by a Local Authority in the event of a parking offence. If the parking fine is not paid, the Local Authority can instruct Civil Enforcement Agents to collect them by seizing goods.
Sundry Debts
A generic terms used by Local Authorities for a range of debts owed to them such as non payment of Housing Benefit, overpayment of Housing Benefit and commercial refuse collection. Local Authorities can instruct a bailiff to attend and request payment however they cannot remove or sell goods if the debt is not paid.
Walking Possession
This is the process of seizing goods without removal using a signed written agreement. Once goods have been seized they can remain in place for use. The Walking Possession permits a bailiff to return at any time to remove goods for sale, forcing entry if necessary.
Warrant
An order of the court giving the holder the power to carry out a certain act such as arrest or seizing and selling goods. This is also a document issued by a landlord for the collection of rent arrears.
Warrant of Execution
A method of enforcement that authorises a Certificated Bailiff to sell goods owned by a debtor to clear the debt and bailiff fees incurred. A warrant can remain in force for 12 months from the date of issue.
