Editorial Policy: How We Research Our Guides

People use our guides when they are under pressure, so accuracy matters more than anything else. This page explains how we make sure our content is reliable.

Our standards

Primary sources first. Statements about the law are checked against legislation on legislation.gov.uk and official guidance on GOV.UK. Statistics come from official sources (such as the Insolvency Service and MHCLG) or from published research by established debt charities.
Every statistic is sourced. We name the source and the period it covers next to the figure, and link to it in the “Sources” section of each article.
Scope is always clear. Bailiff law and debt solutions differ across the UK. Our guides cover England and Wales unless they say otherwise, and we point readers in Scotland and Northern Ireland to our separate guide.
Balanced information about debt solutions. We explain the costs, risks and downsides of every debt solution as clearly as the benefits. We never describe an IVA as a “government scheme”, never promise that debts will be written off, and always explain that free debt advice is available.
Plain English. We explain legal terms the first time we use them and avoid jargon where we can.
No pressure tactics. We don’t use countdown timers, fake urgency or claims we can’t back up.

Who writes our content

Our articles are written and maintained by our editorial team and published under the byline of our lead writer, Claire Whitmore. “Claire Whitmore” is a pen name used by the team, and her portrait is an illustration rather than a photograph. Using one byline means you always know who is responsible for our content and where to send corrections. Where a guide has been reviewed by a qualified professional, their real name and qualifications are shown on the page.

How articles are written and checked

A writer researches the topic from primary sources and drafts the article.
A second member of the team checks every factual statement, figure and link against its source.
Where a qualified reviewer has reviewed a guide, their name and qualifications appear at the top of the page.
Each article shows the date it was last updated.

Keeping content up to date

We review every guide at least every six months, and sooner when the rules change. Recent examples:

1 May 2026: the Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 increased the minimum notice period before a bailiff visit from 7 to 14 clear days (28 days where a debt adviser asks), and updated enforcement fees. We updated all affected guides.
2024: Debt Relief Order rules changed – the £90 fee was removed in April 2024 and the debt limit rose from £30,000 to £50,000 in June 2024.

Independence from government

We are not a government website or service, and we are not connected to any council, court, government department or enforcement company. Where we explain official rules, we link to the official source on GOV.UK or legislation.gov.uk so you can check them yourself.

Commercial independence

We are paid by the debt advice firm we introduce people to (see how we are paid). That relationship doesn’t influence what we write. Our guides explain free options, including Debt Relief Orders and free debt advice from charities, as clearly as any paid solution.

Corrections

If you think something on our site is wrong or out of date, please email hello@howtostopthebailiffs.co.uk with the page address. We aim to review every report within five working days and correct confirmed errors promptly.

Not personal advice

Our content is general information. It can’t take account of your personal circumstances. For advice about your situation, speak to a qualified debt adviser – you can use our service or contact a free debt advice service.