Fee Reform Update

Changes to the Taking Control of Goods Regulations

Yesterday, the UK government laid out proposed amendments to the Taking Control of Goods Regulations.

These changes are due to come into force on 1 May 2026 following discussion in parliament and will only apply to new cases initiated on or after this date.

We have outlined the key updates below:

Compliance Stage

Proposed changes:

The ‘compliance stage’ (the notice period given before an agent can attend the property to take control of goods) will increase from 7 to 14 clear days.

At the request of a debt advice provider, this can be extended to 28 days for non-business debts. The Notice of Enforcement will be updated to include information about seeking free debt advice and debt advisors’ ability to request an extension of notice.

Enforcement Escalation

Proposed changes:

If the enforcement agent was unable to make contact with the debtor during the first attendance at the property, they cannot proceed to the second stage of enforcement  nor recover the related fee until the debtor has been given another opportunity to pay.

If the debtor pays in full or enters into a repayment arrangement/controlled goods agreement (which they do not breach), only the first stage fee will be applicable.

Fee Uplifts

Proposed changes:

• The fees recoverable at each stage of enforcement will increase by 5%.
• For High Court enforcement, the threshold for application of an additional percentage recovery fee will increase from £1,000 to £1,200

If you would like to discuss any of these changes with the team, please get in touch on 0161 925 1800 or by emailing eric.roe@wilsonandroe.com.