Call

Can I avoid bailiff fees by paying the council?

Updated On:
  • April 6, 2026

Table of Contents

If bailiffs have been instructed to collect a council tax debt, many people ask: can I avoid bailiff fees by paying the council directly?

It’s a common question and an important one, because bailiff fees can quickly increase the amount you owe. The answer is not always straightforward but understanding how the process works can help you reduce costs and take control of the situation.

Can You Pay the Council Instead of the Bailiff?

In some cases, yes , you can still make a payment directly to the council even after bailiffs have been instructed. However, this does not automatically stop bailiff action or remove the fees that have already been added.

Once the debt has been passed to bailiffs, they are acting on behalf of the council. This means the council may still expect you to deal with the bailiff company, especially if enforcement has already started.

Will Paying the Council Stop Bailiff Fees?

Not always. Bailiff fees are added at different stages of enforcement, and once they are applied, they are usually still payable even if you pay the council directly.

There are typically three stages where fees can be added:

  • When the Notice of Enforcement is issued
  • When a bailiff visits your property
  • When goods are removed or sold

If your case has already reached the bailiff stage, at least one fee may already be included in your balance.

When Can You Avoid Bailiff Fees?

The best way to avoid bailiff fees is to act before enforcement begins.

If you pay your council tax arrears after receiving reminders but before a Notice of Enforcement is issued, you can usually avoid bailiff involvement altogether. Once the case is passed to bailiffs, avoiding fees becomes much more difficult.

However, in some situations, you may still be able to limit or reduce fees if:

  • You pay the debt very early in the enforcement process
  • There has been an error in how the fees were applied
  • Bailiffs have not followed the correct legal procedure

Can the Council Take the Debt Back from Bailiffs?

Yes, in some cases the council can recall the debt from bailiffs. This means you would deal directly with the council again instead of the enforcement agent.

This is more likely if:

  • You contact the council quickly
  • You can show financial hardship
  • You are considered vulnerable
  • You offer a realistic repayment plan

If the council agrees to take the case back, further bailiff action may stop but fees already added may still apply.

What Happens If You Ignore Bailiffs?

Ignoring bailiffs is rarely a good idea. If you don’t engage, they may:

  • Add further fees
  • Continue visiting your property
  • Clamp or remove a vehicle
  • Take control of goods if they gain entry

Even if you pay the council later, these additional costs may still be added to your overall balance.

What Should You Do Instead?

If you want to minimise or avoid bailiff fees, it’s important to act quickly and take the right steps:

  • Contact the council as soon as possible to discuss your options
  • Ask whether they can take the debt back from bailiffs
  • Make a realistic payment offer based on what you can afford
  • Check whether bailiffs have followed the correct process
  • Seek advice before making decisions, especially if enforcement has started

Taking action early gives you the best chance of reducing fees and stopping further enforcement.

Can Bailiff Fees Be Challenged?

Yes. If you believe bailiff fees have been applied incorrectly or unfairly, you may be able to challenge them.

For example, fees could be disputed if:

  • You did not receive proper notice
  • The bailiff has not followed legal procedures
  • Incorrect charges have been added

Getting advice can help you understand whether a challenge is possible.

How Bailiff Helpline Can Help

If you’re unsure whether paying the council will stop bailiff fees, Bailiff Helpline can help you:

  • Understand what fees have been added and why
  • Check whether bailiffs are acting lawfully
  • Contact the council or bailiffs on your behalf
  • Help you reduce or challenge fees where possible
  • Support you in stopping further enforcement

Share the Post:
Picture of Bailiff Helpline

Bailiff Helpline

Bailiff Helpline is an expert voice on bailiff enforcement, debt recovery, and financial rights in the UK. With years of hands-on experience supporting individuals through challenging enforcement situations, Bailiff Helpline publishes clear, compassionate, and actionable articles to help readers understand their rights, navigate bailiff processes, and make informed decisions. Whether you’re facing council tax arrears, High Court writs, or HMRC collections, Bailiff Helpline breaks down complex topics into everyday language—empowering people to take control with confidence.
All Posts

Related Posts

Average Customer Rating

stars

Bailiff Helpline is a trading style of My Debt Plan Ltd.

My Debt Plan Ltd provides insolvency solutions to individuals, specialising in IVA’s. All advice given is provided in reasonable contemplation of an insolvency appointment. Where you are not suitable for an IVA, we may refer you to one of our trusted partners who specialise on alternative solutions. 

  • No more harassment from bailiffs
  • Not running out of money before payday
  • No more borrowing from family or friends
  • No longer relying on credit cards
  • No more added interest or charges
  • No more relying on payday loans

Get the debt help you need - Stop Bailiffs!

Simply fill in the form below and a member of our team will contact you within 10 minutes.

May not be suitable in all circumstances. Our advice is free but fees may apply and your credit rating may be affected if you opt for a debt solution.

How it works

Step 1

Call us now or apply online to get an instant response and help with your debts

Step 2

Our trustworthy and friendly advisors will assist you in stopping bailiff action

Step 3

We can help set up an affordable payment plan between you and your creditors

Take Action Before Bailiffs Do

Ignoring Bailiffs can lead to further enforcement action. The sooner you act, the more options you have.

Let's Stop Bailiffs

Credit Score

Credit Score Pop Up Wording : An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal agreement with creditors to repay a portion of your debts over time, but it does have an impact on your credit score and it will be difficult to obtain further credit whilst on an IVA. Once an IVA is approved, it is recorded on your credit report and will typically remain there for six years from the date it starts.
However, it’s important to note this is the case for most debt solutions and your credit score will likely already have been affected by being in debt in the first place.
Once your IVA is complete you will get a fresh start to begin rebuilding your credit rating.

Fees

IVA costs are charged for the preparation of your proposal and the administration of the arrangement for the full term (usually 5 years) these costs are charged from the monthly contributions you make into the IVA and are not in addition. Costs will only be recovered on approval of your arrangement and once you commence making payments to it. The fees for preparation of the proposal to creditors and calling the meeting for creditors to vote on its approval are called nominees fees, the fees for running the arrangement once approved are called supervisors fees. There are also some expenses incurred in the running of the arrangement such as the registration fee and the statutory insurance that needs to be taken by law, these are called disbursements. For our arrangements, the total of all of these is £3,650 although this may be adjusted by creditors when they vote on whether to accept. No matter what the end total of costs come to, you can be rest assured that these will be taken from the monthly payment we agree with you.