Warrant of control: how to stop county court bailiffs with form N245

What a warrant of control is

A warrant of control is issued by the county court when a creditor asks for it because you haven’t paid a CCJ as ordered. It’s carried out by county court enforcement officers, who are employed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (not private firms).

They follow the same core rules as other bailiffs:

• you’ll get a Notice of Enforcement first
• they can only take control of goods between 6am and 9pm
• they can’t force entry to your home for a CCJ debt
• they can’t take essential items, work tools up to £1,350 or other people’s belongings

Read your rights when bailiffs visit.

How to apply to suspend the warrant: form N245

Form N245 asks the court to suspend the warrant and set payments you can afford.

1. Get form N245 from GOV.UK or the court.
2. Fill in your income, spending and other debts. Be accurate and complete – the court uses this to decide what’s affordable.
3. Make an offer of a monthly amount you can genuinely keep up.
4. Send it to the court with the fee, or apply for Help with Fees if you’re on a low income.
5. The creditor can accept or object. If they object, the court decides, sometimes at a hearing.

While your application is being considered, the court may pause the warrant. Tell the bailiffs you’ve applied.

Tips for your N245 offer

• Prioritise rent or mortgage, council tax, energy and food before any CCJ payment. See priority debts.
• Include all your debts, so the court sees the whole picture.
• Don’t overpromise. If you miss payments, the creditor can ask for the warrant to be reissued.
• Attach evidence if you can, such as payslips or benefit letters.

Other options

• Set the judgment aside if you didn’t know about the claim or have a defence – see how to set aside a CCJ.
• Breathing Space pauses most enforcement for 60 days – see can Breathing Space stop bailiffs?
• A DRO or IVA can include CCJ debts and stop enforcement for them – see debt solutions compared.

County court bailiffs vs High Court Enforcement Officers

If your CCJ is £600 or more, the creditor might transfer it to the High Court instead, so that High Court Enforcement Officers enforce it, with higher fees. Debts regulated by the Consumer Credit Act (most credit cards and loans) can’t be enforced this way. Read High Court Enforcement Officer letters.

Frequently asked questions

Can county court bailiffs force entry?

Not to your home for a CCJ debt. They can only enter peacefully.

How much does an N245 cost?

There’s a court fee, but you may qualify for Help with Fees if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits.

What happens if I miss an N245 payment?

The creditor can ask the court to lift the suspension, and the bailiffs can resume enforcement. Contact the creditor and the court straight away if your circumstances change.

Sources

• GOV.UK, Form N245: apply to suspend a warrant or vary payments
• GOV.UK, Get help paying court and tribunal fees
• GOV.UK, Bailiff powers when they visit your home