- Before the full bill is due
- 62 daysfrom 1 April 2026
- Prison for council tax debt
- Abolishedin Wales
- Notice before a bailiff visit
- 14 clear dayssame as England
- Fees
- £79 / £247same as England
What is the same as England
The Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations apply to England and Wales together. Everything on these pages applies in Wales:
- What bailiffs can and cannot do
- The 14-day Notice of Enforcement
- The forced entry rules
- Protected goods
- The statutory fee scale
- Breathing Space
Council tax: the 62-day rule
From 1 April 2026 the Welsh Government lengthened the time between a missed council tax instalment and the point where the whole year’s bill can be demanded.
| Before 1 April 2026 | From 1 April 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| After a missed instalment | Reminder notice giving 7 days | Final notice after 41 days |
| Time then allowed to pay | A further 7 days | A further 21 days |
| Earliest the full year can be demanded | 14 days | 62 days |
| Earliest recovery action | After 14 days | The day after, on day 63 |
The Finance Secretary said the change gives “more time for households to recover from unexpected setbacks, check eligibility for support, and get back on track”. The Welsh Government said it would also work with councils on clearer reminder and final notices and on supporting vulnerable households.
Once a liability order has been made, a Welsh council has the same collection routes as an English one, including enforcement agents. Council tax bailiffs covers those.
No imprisonment for council tax
In England a magistrates’ court can still commit someone to prison for up to 3 months for council tax arrears in limited circumstances. That sanction has been abolished in Wales.
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Complaints and advice in Wales
- Complaints about a bailiff acting for a Welsh council go to the council first. The next step is the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, which does the job the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman does in England.
- The Enforcement Conduct Board covers Wales and publishes its website in Welsh as well as English.
- Citizens Advice runs a separate advice line for Wales on 0800 702 2020, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- Court fines in Wales have their own payment line: 0300 790 9980.
Accredited enforcement firms and councils based in Wales
The Enforcement Conduct Board’s register listed these organisations with Welsh addresses when it was checked on 7 October 2026. Firms based in England also work for Welsh councils.
| Organisation | Address on the register | Accredited since |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew James Enforcement Limited | Latheron Chambers, 41 Mansel Street, Swansea SA1 5SW | October 2023 |
| B&S Bailiff Services | 1200 High Street, Blackwood NP12 1AJ | October 2023 |
| Conwy County Borough Council | PO Box 1, Conwy, LL30 9GN | December 2024 |
| Dragon Enforcement | 1-2 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy LL32 8UB | July 2026 |
| Excel Civil Enforcement Limited | Marine House, 2 Marine Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8PH | October 2023 |
| Flintshire County Council | Ty Dewi Sant, St. David’s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire, CH5 3FF | December 2024 |
| Gwasanaethau APD Services Cyf | Suite 202, 2nd Floor, Conwy Business Centre, Junction Way, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9XX | October 2023 |
| High Court Enforcement Group Limited | Marine House, 2 Marine Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8PH | October 2023 |
| Proserve Debt Recovery & Bailiff Services Ltd | Somerset House, 30 Wynnstay Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 8NB | October 2023 |
| The Sheriffs Office | 22 St. Andrews Crescent, Cardiff CF10 3DD | October 2023 |
| Wrexham County Borough Council | Lambit St Offices, Wrexham, LL11 1AY | December 2024 |
All accredited bailiff companies
Common questions
Are bailiff rules different in Wales?
The rules on what a bailiff can do are the same as in England. The differences are in council tax collection before enforcement: a longer period before the full bill is due, and no imprisonment for arrears.
Can someone be sent to prison for council tax debt in Wales?
No. Imprisonment for council tax arrears has been abolished in Wales.
How long does a Welsh council have to wait before taking action?
From 1 April 2026, at least 62 days from a missed instalment before the full annual balance becomes due, with recovery action possible from the following day.
Does Breathing Space apply in Wales?
Yes. The scheme covers people who live or usually reside in England or Wales.
Want to talk it through with someone?
Tell us where things are up to and one of our team will call to talk it through. A debt adviser then explains the options. There is no obligation to go any further.
Speak to someone now on 0161 660 0876
We do not charge for speaking to you. If you choose a debt solution, you are referred to one of our trusted debt solution providers, and we receive a fee if you enter into an agreement with one of them. A debt solution may have fees, which are explained before anything is agreed.
Free debt advice is available
These organisations give free, impartial debt advice and are independent of Bailiff Support Team. Nobody has to use a paid or commercial service to get help with their debts, and using one of the free services does not reduce the options available. Their advisers can also ask an enforcement firm to extend a notice period or apply for Breathing Space where it fits.
- MoneyHelperGovernment-backed. Finds a free debt adviser nearby or online.
- StepChange Debt CharityFree debt advice online and by phone.
- Citizens AdviceDetailed help with bailiffs, online and in person.
- National DebtlineFree advice and sample letters, run by the Money Advice Trust.
Sources
- Welsh Government: New rules confirmed for fairer council tax collection
- Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, Schedule 12
- Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 (as amended)
- GOV.UK: Pay Council Tax arrears
- Enforcement Conduct Board: Accredited Firms Register
- GOV.UK: Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) guidance for creditors
- GOV.UK: Apply for a warrant of control
- GOV.UK: Pay a court fine