ECB-Insight-Report-2026

Key Take Aways

• The ECB was established in 2022 and became fully operational in 2025 to oversee the enforcement industry in England and Wales, setting standards and providing independent oversight.
• There are 55 accredited enforcement organisations as of November 2025, covering approximately 97% of the market, with a significant presence in the private sector.
• The enforcement industry handled nearly 3.7 million cases in the first half of 2025, with a total debt value of around £2.2 billion, and successfully collected £527 million in debts during that period.
• Enforcement activities are primarily focused on council tax, non-domestic rates, and road traffic fines, with enforcement agents taking goods in 2,624 cases, predominantly vehicles.
• Vulnerability identification was a key aspect, with firms recognising in excess of 177,000 vulnerable cases, and support provided in 43% of those instances.
• Across the reporting period, there were 1,535 assaults/threats reported on enforcement agents, including 184 physical assaults.
• Complaints handling was formally launched in January 2025, receiving 515 complaints by September, with 100 qualifying for investigation.
• The complaint rate was low at 0.1%, with 91% of upheld or partially upheld complaints linked to breaches such as unlawful behaviour, mishandling of vulnerability, and process failures.
• A notable breach involved enforcement agents using force, threats, and false statements, leading to dismissals and court-ordered removals of certificates.
• Industry concerns include fees linked to multiple debts not being adequately linked or capped, and the ECB is actively monitoring overcharging issues through thematic reviews.
• The ECB’s oversight revealed breaches of standardised conduct on doorstep behaviour, communication, vulnerability handling, and documentation.
• Moving forward, the ECB plans to expand training, conduct workshops, and publish annual insights and impact reports to drive industry reform.

Key Statistics

• Total value of debts collected by enforcement agents in H1 2025: £527 million.
• Number of accredited enforcement organisations: 55.
• Market coverage: approximately 97% by private sector firms.
• Cases received between January and June 2025: nearly 3.7 million.
• Total debt value within this period: around £2.2 billion.
• Goods taken in enforcement: 2,624 cases, predominantly vehicles.
• Cases where vulnerability was identified: 177,618.
• Complaints received by ECB: 515, with 100 qualifying for investigation.
• Complaint investigation outcomes: 91% of complaints dismissed; 41% of upheld complaints resulted in compensation.
• Assaults/threats on agents: 1,535; physical assaults: 184.
• Enforcement firms received 4,691 new complaints in early 2025, with a complaint rate of 0.1%.

Key Discussion Points

• The establishment of the ECB marks a significant step towards independent regulation and standard-setting for the enforcement sector.
• The industry’s reliance on private firms underscores the importance of accreditation, oversight, and compliance monitoring to ensure fair practice.
• Despite the generally high compliance rate, breaches related to unlawfulness, threats, and improper behaviour still occur, highlighting ongoing risks.
• The enforcement process’s complexity, involving multiple stages and fees, creates opportunities for misconduct and overcharging.
• Vulnerable individuals constitute a significant proportion of enforcement contact, necessitating improved processes for recognition and support.
• The low complaint rate may mask underlying issues, but investigation findings point to systemic concerns about conduct and process breaches.
• The recurring themes of threats, intimidatory tactics, and misinformation emphasize the need for stricter adherence to ECB Standards.
• The industry faces challenges around fee transparency, with overcharging linked to unlinked multiple debts and insufficient oversight.
• The ECB’s proactive approach, including independent investigations and thematic reviews, demonstrates its commitment to industry reform.
• Greater emphasis on training, de-escalation, and fair treatment in enforcement activities will be crucial to building industry trust.
• The report’s focus on qualitative case studies provides valuable insights into enforcement conduct and practitioner behaviour.
• The ECB’s plan for annual reporting, workshops, and updates indicates a strategic focus on continuous improvement and sector accountability.

Document Description

This article is an insight report published by the ECB, providing a comprehensive review of the enforcement (bailiff) industry in England and Wales for 2025. It synthesises data from multiple sources—including industry self-reports, complaints handling, and oversight activities—to assess enforcement practices, breaches, and compliance issues. The report highlights key industry metrics, regulatory interventions, client vulnerabilities, and areas for reform. Its aim is to inform industry stakeholders, policymakers, and senior managers in financial services about the current state of enforcement conduct and standards, fostering transparency and driving future improvements.