Office of Public Sector Information
Section 62(1)
1 (1) Using the procedure in this Schedule to recover a sum means taking control of goods and selling them to recover that sum in accordance with this Schedule and regulations under it.
(2) In this Schedule a power to use the procedure to recover a particular sum is called an “enforcement power”.
(3) The following apply in relation to an enforcement power.
(4) “Debt” means the sum recoverable.
(5) “Debtor” means the person liable to pay the debt or, if two or more persons are jointly or jointly and severally liable, any one or more of them.
(6) “Creditor” means the person for whom the debt is recoverable.
2 (1) In this Schedule “enforcement agent” means an individual authorised by section 63(2) to act as an enforcement agent.
(2) Only an enforcement agent may take control of goods and sell them under an enforcement power.
(3) An enforcement agent, if he is not the person on whom an enforcement power is conferred, may act under the power only if authorised by that person.
(4) In relation to goods taken control of by an enforcement agent under an enforcement power, references to the enforcement agent are references to any person for the time being acting as an enforcement agent under the power.
3 (1) In this Schedule—
“amount outstanding” is defined in paragraph 50(3);
“control” (except in paragraph 5(4)(a)) means control under an enforcement power;
“controlled goods” means goods taken control of that—
have not been sold or abandoned,
if they have been removed, have not been returned to the debtor (unless subject to a controlled goods agreement), and
if they are goods of another person, have not been returned to that person;
“controlled goods agreement” has the meaning given by paragraph 13(4);
“co-owner” in relation to goods of the debtor means a person other than the debtor who has an interest in the goods, but only if the enforcement agent—
knows that the person has an interest in the particular goods, or
would know, if he made reasonable enquiries;
“the court”, unless otherwise stated, and subject to rules of court, means—
the High Court, in relation to an enforcement power under a writ of the High Court;
a county court, in relation to an enforcement power under a warrant issued by a county court;
in any other case, a magistrates' court;
“disposal” and related expressions, in relation to securities, are to be read in accordance with paragraph 48(2);
“exempt goods” means goods that regulations exempt by description or circumstances or both;
“goods” means property of any description, other than land;
“interest” means a beneficial interest;
“money” means money in sterling or another currency;
“premises” means any place, and in particular includes—
a vehicle, vessel, aircraft or hovercraft;
a tent or movable structure;
“securities” includes bills of exchange, promissory notes, bonds, specialties and securities for money.
(2) In this Schedule—
(a) references to goods of the debtor or another person are references to goods in which the debtor or that person has an interest, but
(b) references to goods of the debtor do not include references to trust property in which either the debtor or a co-owner has an interest not vested in possession.
4 (1) For the purposes of any enforcement power, the property in all goods of the debtor, except goods that are exempt goods for the purposes of this Schedule or are protected under any other enactment, becomes bound in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) Where the power is conferred by a writ issued from the High Court the writ binds the property in the goods from the time when it is received by the person who is under a duty to endorse it.
(3) Where the power is conferred by a warrant to which section 99 of the County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28) or section 125ZA of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) applies, the warrant binds the property in the goods from the time when it is received by the person who is under a duty to endorse it under that section.
(4) Where sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) do not apply but notice is given to the debtor under paragraph 7(1), the notice binds the property in the goods from the time when the notice is given.
5 (1) An assignment or transfer of any interest of the debtor’s in goods while the property in them is bound for the purposes of an enforcement power—
(a) is subject to that power, and
(b) does not affect the operation of this Schedule in relation to the goods, except as provided by paragraph 61 (application to assignee or transferee).
(2) Sub-paragraph (1) does not prejudice the title to any of the debtor’s goods that a person acquires—
(a) in good faith,
(b) for valuable consideration, and
(c) without notice.
(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a), a thing is to be treated as done in good faith if it is in fact done honestly (whether it is done negligently or not).
(4) In sub-paragraph (2)(c) “notice” means—
(a) where the property in the goods is bound by a writ or warrant, notice that the writ or warrant, or any other writ or warrant by virtue of which the goods of the debtor might be seized or otherwise taken control of, had been received by the person who was under a duty to endorse it and that goods remained bound under it;
(b) where the property in the goods is bound by notice under paragraph 7(1), notice that that notice had been given and that goods remained bound under it.
(5) In sub-paragraph (4)(a) “endorse” in relation to a warrant to which section 99 of the County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28) or section 125ZA of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) applies, means endorse under that section.
6 (1) For the purposes of any enforcement power the property in goods of the debtor ceases to be bound in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) The property in any goods ceases to be bound—
(a) when the goods are sold;
(b) in the case of money used to pay any of the amount outstanding, when it is used.
(3) The property in all goods ceases to be bound when any of these happens—
(a) the amount outstanding is paid, out of the proceeds of sale or otherwise;
(b) the instrument under which the power is exercisable ceases to have effect;
(c) the power ceases to be exercisable for any other reason.
7 (1) An enforcement agent may not take control of goods unless the debtor has been given notice.
(2) Regulations must state—
(a) the minimum period of notice;
(b) the form of the notice;
(c) what it must contain;
(d) how it must be given;
(e) who must give it.
(3) The enforcement agent must keep a record of the time when the notice is given.
(4) If regulations authorise it, the court may order in prescribed circumstances that the notice given may be less than the minimum period.
(5) The order may be subject to conditions.
8 (1) An enforcement agent may not take control of goods after the prescribed period.
(2) The period may be prescribed by reference to the date of notice of enforcement or of any writ or warrant conferring the enforcement power or any other date.
(3) Regulations may provide for the period to be extended or further extended by the court in accordance with the regulations.
9 An enforcement agent may take control of goods only if they are—
(a) on premises that he has power to enter under this Schedule, or
(b) on a highway.
10 An enforcement agent may take control of goods only if they are goods of the debtor.
11 (1) Subject to paragraphs 9 and 10 and to any other enactment under which goods are protected, an enforcement agent—
(a) may take control of goods anywhere in England and Wales;
(b) may take control of any goods that are not exempt.
(2) Regulations may authorise him to take control of exempt goods in prescribed circumstances, if he provides the debtor with replacements in accordance with the regulations.
12 (1) Unless sub-paragraph (2) applies, an enforcement agent may not take control of goods whose aggregate value is more than—
(a) the amount outstanding, and
(b) an amount in respect of future costs, calculated in accordance with regulations.
(2) An enforcement agent may take control of goods of higher value on premises or on a highway, only to the extent necessary, if there are not enough goods of a lower value within a reasonable distance—
(a) on a highway, or
(b) on premises that he has power to enter under this Schedule, either under paragraph 14 or under an existing warrant.
(3) For the purposes of this paragraph goods are above a given value only if it is or ought to be clear to the enforcement agent that they are.
(4) Sub-paragraph (1) does not affect the power to keep control of goods if they rise in value once they have been taken.
13 (1) To take control of goods an enforcement agent must do one of the following—
(a) secure the goods on the premises on which he finds them;
(b) if he finds them on a highway, secure them on a highway, where he finds them or within a reasonable distance;
(c) remove them and secure them elsewhere;
(d) enter into a controlled goods agreement with the debtor.
(2) Any liability of an enforcement agent (including criminal liability) arising out of his securing goods on a highway under this paragraph is excluded to the extent that he acted with reasonable care.
(3) Regulations may make further provision about taking control in any of the ways listed in sub-paragraph (1), including provision—
(a) determining the time when control is taken;
(b) prohibiting use of any of those ways for goods by description or circumstances or both.
(4) A controlled goods agreement is an agreement under which the debtor—
(a) is permitted to retain custody of the goods,
(b) acknowledges that the enforcement agent is taking control of them, and
(c) agrees not to remove or dispose of them, nor to permit anyone else to, before the debt is paid.
14 (1) An enforcement agent may enter relevant premises to search for and take control of goods.
(2) Where there are different relevant premises this paragraph authorises entry to each of them.
(3) This paragraph authorises repeated entry to the same premises, subject to any restriction in regulations.
(4) If the enforcement agent is acting under section 72(1) (CRAR), the only relevant premises are the demised premises.
(5) If he is acting under section 121A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5), premises are relevant if they are the place, or one of the places, where the debtor carries on a trade or business.
(6) Otherwise premises are relevant if the enforcement agent reasonably believes that they are the place, or one of the places, where the debtor—
(a) usually lives, or
(b) carries on a trade or business.
15 (1) If an enforcement agent applies to the court it may issue a warrant authorising him to enter specified premises to search for and take control of goods.
(2) Before issuing the warrant the court must be satisfied that all these conditions are met—
(a) an enforcement power has become exercisable;
(b) there is reason to believe that there are goods on the premises that the enforcement power will be exercisable to take control of if the warrant is issued;
(c) it is reasonable in all the circumstances to issue the warrant.
(3) The warrant authorises repeated entry to the same premises, subject to any restriction in regulations.
16 (1) This paragraph applies where goods on any premises have been taken control of and have not been removed by the enforcement agent.
(2) The enforcement agent may enter the premises to inspect the goods or to remove them for storage or sale.
(3) This paragraph authorises repeated entry to the same premises.
17 Where paragraph 18 or 19 applies, an enforcement agent may if necessary use reasonable force to enter premises or to do anything for which the entry is authorised.
18 This paragraph applies if these conditions are met—
(a) the enforcement agent has power to enter the premises under paragraph 14 or 16 or under a warrant under paragraph 15;
(b) he is acting under an enforcement power conferred by a warrant of control under section 76(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) for the recovery of a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction;
(c) he is entitled to execute the warrant by virtue of section 125A (civilian enforcement officers) or 125B (approved enforcement agencies) of that Act.
19 (1) This paragraph applies if these conditions are met—
(a) the enforcement agent has power to enter the premises under paragraph 16;
(b) he reasonably believes that the debtor carries on a trade or business on the premises;
(c) he is acting under an enforcement power within sub-paragraph (2).
(2) The enforcement powers are those under any of the following—
(a) a writ or warrant of control issued for the purpose of recovering a sum payable under a High Court or county court judgment;
(b) section 61(1) of the Taxes Management Act 1970 (c. 9);
(c) section 121A(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5);
(d) section 51(A1) of the Finance Act 1997 (c. 16);
(e) paragraph 1A of Schedule 12 to the Finance Act 2003 (c. 14).
20 (1) This paragraph applies if an enforcement agent has power to enter premises under paragraph 14 or 16 or under a warrant under paragraph 15.
(2) If the enforcement agent applies to the court it may issue a warrant which authorises him to use, if necessary, reasonable force to enter the premises or to do anything for which entry is authorised.
21 (1) This paragraph applies if an enforcement agent is applying for power to enter premises under a warrant under paragraph 15.
(2) If the enforcement agent applies to the court it may include in the warrant provision authorising him to use, if necessary, reasonable force to enter the premises or to do anything for which entry is authorised.
22 (1) The court may not issue a warrant under paragraph 20 or include provision under paragraph 21 unless it is satisfied that prescribed conditions are met.
(2) A warrant under paragraph 20 or provision included under paragraph 21 may require any constable to assist the enforcement agent to execute the warrant.
23 Paragraphs 24 to 30 apply where an enforcement agent has power to enter premises under paragraph 14 or 16 or under a warrant under paragraph 15.
24 (1) The power to enter and any power to use force are subject to any restriction imposed by or under regulations.
(2) A power to use force does not include power to use force against persons, except to the extent that regulations provide that it does.
25 (1) The enforcement agent may enter and remain on the premises only within prescribed times of day.
(2) Regulations may give the court power in prescribed circumstances to authorise him to enter or remain on the premises at other times.
(3) The authorisation—
(a) may be by order or in a warrant under paragraph 15;
(b) may be subject to conditions.
26 (1) The enforcement agent must on request show the debtor and any person who appears to him to be in charge of the premises evidence of—
(a) his identity, and
(b) his authority to enter the premises.
(2) The request may be made before the enforcement agent enters the premises or while he is there.
27 (1) The enforcement agent may take other people onto the premises.
(2) They may assist him in exercising any power, including a power to use force.
(3) They must not remain on the premises without the enforcement agent.
(4) The enforcement agent may take any equipment onto the premises.
(5) He may leave equipment on the premises if he leaves controlled goods there.
28 (1) After entering the premises the enforcement agent must provide a notice for the debtor giving information about what the enforcement agent is doing.
(2) Regulations must state—
(a) the form of the notice;
(b) what information it must give.
(3) Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which a notice need not be provided after re-entry to premises.
(4) If the debtor is on the premises when the enforcement agent is there, the enforcement agent must give him the notice then.
(5) If the debtor is not there, the enforcement agent must leave the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises.
(6) If the enforcement agent knows that there is someone else there or that there are other occupiers, a notice he leaves under sub-paragraph (5) must be in a sealed envelope addressed to the debtor.
29 If the premises are occupied by any person apart from the debtor, the enforcement agent must leave at the premises a list of any goods he takes away.
30 The enforcement agent must leave the premises as effectively secured as he finds them.
31 (1) If the enforcement agent applies to the court it may issue a warrant which authorises him to use, if necessary, reasonable force to take control of goods on a highway.
(2) The court may not issue a warrant unless it is satisfied that prescribed conditions are met.
(3) The warrant may require any constable to assist the enforcement agent to execute it.
(4) The power to use force is subject to any restriction imposed by or under regulations.
(5) The power to use force does not include power to use force against persons, except to the extent that regulations provide that it does.
32 (1) The enforcement agent may not exercise any power under this Schedule on a highway except within prescribed times of day.
(2) Regulations may give the court power in prescribed circumstances to authorise him to exercise a power at other times.
(3) The authorisation may be subject to conditions.
33 (1) If the enforcement agent takes control of goods on a highway or enters a vehicle on a highway with the intention of taking control of goods, he must provide a notice for the debtor giving information about what he is doing.
(2) Regulations must state—
(a) the form of the notice;
(b) what information it must give.
(3) If the debtor is present when the enforcement agent is there, the enforcement agent must give him the notice then.
(4) Otherwise the enforcement agent must deliver the notice to any relevant premises (as defined by paragraph 14) in a sealed envelope addressed to the debtor.
34 (1) If an enforcement agent takes control of goods he must provide the debtor with an inventory of them as soon as reasonably practicable.
(2) But if there are co-owners of any of the goods, the enforcement agent must instead provide the debtor as soon as reasonably practicable with separate inventories of goods owned by the debtor and each co-owner and an inventory of the goods without a co-owner.
(3) The enforcement agent must as soon as reasonably practicable provide the co-owner of any of the goods with—
(a) the inventory of those goods, and
(b) a copy of the notice under paragraph 28.
(4) Regulations must state—
(a) the form of an inventory, and
(b) what it must contain.
35 (1) An enforcement agent must take reasonable care of controlled goods that he removes from the premises or highway where he finds them.
(2) He must comply with any provision of regulations about their care while they remain controlled goods.
36 (1) Before the end of the minimum period, the enforcement agent must—
(a) make or obtain a valuation of the controlled goods in accordance with regulations;
(b) give the debtor, and separately any co-owner, an opportunity to obtain an independent valuation of the goods.
(2) In this paragraph “minimum period” means the period specified by regulations under—
(a) paragraph 49, in the case of securities;
(b) paragraph 39, in any other case.
37 (1) An enforcement agent must sell or dispose of controlled goods for the best price that can reasonably be obtained in accordance with this Schedule.
(2) That does not apply to money that can be used for paying any of the outstanding amount, unless the best price is more than its value if used in that way.
38 Paragraphs 39 to 42 apply to the sale of controlled goods, except where—
(a) the controlled goods are securities, or
(b) the sale is by exchange of one currency for another.
39 (1) The sale must not be before the end of the minimum period except with the agreement of the debtor and any co-owner.
(2) Regulations must specify the minimum period.
40 (1) Before the sale, the enforcement agent must give notice of the date, time and place of the sale to the debtor and any co-owner.
(2) Regulations must state—
(a) the minimum period of notice;
(b) the form of the notice;
(c) what it must contain (besides the date, time and place of sale);
(d) how it must be given.
(3) The enforcement agent may replace a notice with a new notice, subject to any restriction in regulations.
(4) Any notice must be given within the permitted period.
(5) Unless extended the permitted period is 12 months beginning with the day on which the enforcement agent takes control of the goods.
(6) Any extension must be by agreement in writing between the creditor and debtor before the end of the period.
(7) They may extend the period more than once.
41 (1) The sale must be by public auction unless the court orders otherwise.
(2) The court may make an order only on an application by the enforcement agent.
(3) Regulations may make provision about the types of sale the court may order.
(4) In an application for an order under sub-paragraph (2) the enforcement agent must state whether he has reason to believe that an enforcement power has become exercisable by another creditor against the debtor or a co-owner.
(5) If the enforcement agent states that he does, the court may not consider the application until notice of it has been given to the other creditor in accordance with regulations (or until the court is satisfied that an enforcement power is not exercisable by the other creditor against the debtor or a co-owner).
42 Regulations may make further provision about the sale of controlled goods, including in particular—
(a) requirements for advertising;
(b) provision about the conduct of a sale.
43 (1) Regulations may make provision about the place of sale of controlled goods.
(2) They may prescribe circumstances in which the sale may be held on premises where goods were found by the enforcement agent.
(3) Except where the regulations provide otherwise, the sale may not be held on those premises without the consent of the occupier.
(4) Paragraphs 44 to 46 apply if the sale may be held on those premises.
44 (1) The enforcement agent and any person permitted by him—
(a) may enter the premises to conduct or attend the sale;
(b) may bring equipment onto the premises for the purposes of the sale.
(2) This paragraph authorises repeated entry to the premises.
(3) If necessary the enforcement agent may use reasonable force to enable the sale to be conducted and any person to enter under this paragraph.
45 (1) The enforcement agent must on request show the debtor and any person who appears to him to be in charge of the premises evidence of—
(a) his identity, and
(b) his authority to enter and hold the sale on the premises.
(2) The request may be made before the enforcement agent enters the premises or while he is there.
46 The enforcement agent must leave the premises as effectively secured as he finds them.
47 Paragraphs 48 and 49 apply to securities as controlled goods.
48 (1) Regulations may make provision about how securities are to be held and disposed of.
(2) In this Schedule, references to disposal include, in relation to securities, realising the sums secured or made payable by them, suing for the recovery of those sums or assigning the right to sue for their recovery.
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007