Marston bailiffs: what to do if Marston Holdings contacts you

Marston is one of the largest enforcement companies in the UK, so a letter with its name on is one of the most common ways people first find out a debt has been passed to bailiffs. It can be frightening, but the law sets out exactly what Marston can and can’t do, and there are several ways to stop the process.

Who are Marston and why are they contacting you?

Marston doesn’t buy your debt. It acts for the creditor – usually your local council, a court or another public body – which has legal authority to use bailiffs. Common reasons for a Marston letter include:

• council tax arrears after the council got a liability order
• an unpaid council parking penalty that reached the warrant stage
• an unpaid magistrates’ court fine
• a county court judgment transferred to the High Court for enforcement

The letter should tell you who the creditor is and give a reference number. That matters, because the creditor can tell Marston to stop. If you don’t recognise the debt at all, read bailiffs chasing someone who doesn’t live here.

What Marston’s letters mean

For warrants passed to bailiffs on or after 1 May 2026, Marston must give at least 14 clear days’ notice before visiting to take control of goods, or 28 clear days if a debt adviser asks for an extension in time. Read Notice of Enforcement explained.

1. Debt passed to the bailiffsCompliance fee: £79
2. Notice of Enforcement sentAt least 14 clear days before a visit (28 if a debt adviser asks)
3. Best time to actPay, agree an affordable plan or get Breathing Space. Fees stay at £79.
4. First visit to your homeEnforcement fee: £247 + 7.5% of the debt over £1,900
5. Controlled goods agreement or goods removedYou get an inventory of the goods
6. Sale or disposal stageSale fee: £116 + 7.5% over £1,900, plus storage and auction costs

Simplified illustration for most debts (council tax, parking, fines, county court). High Court writs use a different fee scale. Not advice.

The fees Marston can charge

Marston’s fees are set by law, not by Marston. For most debts passed to bailiffs from 1 May 2026:

• £79 at the compliance (letter) stage
• £247 plus 7.5% of the debt over £1,900 once an agent visits
• £116 plus 7.5% of the debt over £1,900 at the sale stage

High Court writs have a different scale. Check any bill with our bailiff fees calculator and read bailiff fees explained.

What Marston’s bailiffs can’t do

• Force entry for most debts. For council tax, parking penalties and county court judgments, they can only come in peacefully through a door. Read can bailiffs force entry?
• Visit outside 6am to 9pm to take control of goods.
• Enter if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are home.
• Take essentials such as your cooker, fridge, washing machine, beds or work tools worth up to £1,350, or someone else’s belongings. Read what can bailiffs take?

How to stop Marston enforcement

1. Check the letter is genuine. Call Marston on a number you’ve found independently, not one from a text or email. You can check an agent’s certificate on the Certificated Enforcement Agent Register. See how to spot a fake bailiff.
2. Work out what you can afford after rent, current council tax, energy and food.
3. Offer an affordable payment plan in writing, with a short budget.
4. Contact the creditor – usually the council – if Marston won’t accept a fair offer, or if you’re vulnerable. Ask it to recall the debt.
5. Get advice about Breathing Space, which stops most bailiff action for 60 days. Read can Breathing Space stop bailiffs?
6. Look at the bigger picture. If you have several debts, a Debt Relief Order or IVA can stop bailiff action for the debts included.

Making a complaint about Marston

If you think a Marston agent broke the rules or charged the wrong fees:

1. Complain to Marston using its complaints process, and ask it to pause enforcement.
2. Send a copy to the creditor. For council debts, you can then go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
3. If the firm is accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board, you can escalate to the ECB if Marston doesn’t resolve it.

Ask for any body-worn camera footage of the visit. Read our full guide: how to complain about a bailiff.

Frequently asked questions

Can Marston force entry to my home?

Not for council tax, parking penalties or most civil debts. They can only use force as a last resort for criminal fines and some HMRC debts, or to re-enter after a broken controlled goods agreement.

Can Marston take my car?

Yes, if it belongs to you and isn’t exempt. Cars on hire purchase, Motability cars and vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge are protected. Read can bailiffs take my car?

Can I set up a payment plan with Marston?

Usually, yes. Offer what you can genuinely afford, in writing. If they refuse a reasonable offer, ask the creditor to step in.

Is Marston a real company?

Yes. Marston Holdings is a genuine enforcement company. Scammers sometimes pretend to be bailiffs, though, so always check that anyone contacting you is genuine before paying.

Sources

• GOV.UK, Bailiff powers when they visit your home
• The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026
• Certificated Enforcement Agent Register
• Enforcement Conduct Board