Bailiffs and self-employed people: protecting your van and work tools

The tools of the trade exemption

Regulation 4 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 protects items that are necessary for use personally by you in your employment, business, trade, profession, study or education. Examples include:

• hand and power tools
• a laptop or computer you work on
• a work phone
• specialist equipment, such as a hairdresser’s chair or a mechanic’s diagnostic kit
• a van or car you need to do your job

The catch is the £1,350 cap. It’s the combined value of all items you’re claiming under this exemption. If your van alone is worth £6,000, it isn’t fully protected, and bailiffs may take control of it.

Tips for using the exemption

• Keep a list of your work tools and equipment with rough second-hand values and receipts.
• Explain clearly to the bailiff which items you need personally for work. Items used by employees, rather than by you personally, may not count.
• Show proof of ownership if an item belongs to the business as a separate limited company, a partner or a finance company.

Read what can bailiffs take?

Vans, cars and finance

A work vehicle on hire purchase or lease belongs to the finance company, so it can’t be taken. A vehicle you own outright is only protected up to the £1,350 combined limit. Read can bailiffs take my car?

Business premises and business debts

• Different entry rules can apply to business premises, especially for High Court and HMRC enforcement. Get advice if bailiffs are visiting a shop, workshop or office.
• Business rates (non-domestic rates) are collected by councils using bailiffs after a liability order, similar to council tax.
• The 28-day extension to the Notice of Enforcement period (available from 1 May 2026 when a debt advice provider asks) doesn’t apply to non-eligible business debts.
• Limited companies are separate legal entities. Bailiffs enforcing a company’s debt shouldn’t take your personal belongings, and bailiffs enforcing your personal debt shouldn’t take goods owned by the company. Keep records that show who owns what.

HMRC debts

If you owe Income Tax or VAT, HMRC has strong enforcement powers, including taking control of goods and, in some cases, taking money directly from bank accounts. Contact HMRC early about a Time to Pay arrangement. Read HMRC debt enforcement.

Debt solutions if you’re self-employed

• Breathing Space can pause most creditor action for 60 days. See our Breathing Space guide.
• IVAs are often used by self-employed people with regular income who want to keep trading. Read our IVA guide.
• Debt Relief Orders are possible if your income, assets and debts are within the limits. Business assets count towards the asset limit. See the DRO guide.
• Bankruptcy may allow you to keep trading in some cases, but it has serious consequences. See how to go bankrupt.

Free specialist help is available from Business Debtline.

Frequently asked questions

Can bailiffs take my work van?

Only if you own it and its value (together with any other work items you’re claiming) is above £1,350. A van on finance or lease can’t be taken.

Can bailiffs take my business stock?

Stock for sale isn’t usually covered by the tools of the trade exemption, so it can be at risk.

Does the £1,350 limit apply to each item?

No. It’s the total value of all the work items you’re claiming as exempt.

Sources

• The Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, regulation 4
• The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026
• GOV.UK, Bailiff powers when they visit your home
• Business Debtline