Bailiff fee calculator for council PCNs

The fees in force from 1 May 2026

These come from the Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026, which replaced the fee table in the 2014 Fees Regulations from 1 May 2026. They do not affect enforcement action taken before that date, where the old figures (£75, £235 and £110, with 7.5% above £1,500) apply. Fees are cumulative: each stage's fee is added only once that stage is reached.

Notice before goods are taken

The notice of enforcement must now give at least 14 clear days (it was 7). If a free debt advice provider asks on your behalf before that period ends, it extends to at least 28 clear days. The notice must also tell you about free debt advice.

Worked examples

• £105 increased charge plus the court fee, enforcement stage reached after 1 May 2026: the debt is under £1,900, so fees are £79 + £247 = £326.
• Same debt, but the agent has only sent the notice of enforcement (compliance stage): the most that can be added is £79.

Still able to challenge?

If you never received the earlier notices, you may be able to file a witness statement out of time with the Traffic Enforcement Centre. While your application for more time is pending, the council must suspend the warrant (PD 75 para 8.1). See Order for Recovery.

Complaints

You can complain in writing to the enforcement agency and to the council that instructed it (the creditor). Ask the agency for a breakdown showing each fee and the date each stage was reached. The full pack includes a letter that does this.

What are bailiff fees for a council PCN from 1 May 2026?

£79 at the compliance stage, £247 at the enforcement stage plus 7.5% of the debt over £1,900, and £116 at the sale stage plus 7.5% over £1,900.

How much notice must a bailiff give?

At least 14 clear days from the notice of enforcement before taking control of goods, or at least 28 clear days if a debt advice provider asks for an extension before the notice period ends.