Whyte and Co

Who do Whyte & Co collect debts for?

Whyte & Co’s certificated enforcement agents collect debts owed to local authorities and debts arising from county court judgments. They appear on the certificated bailiff register and recover the following types of debt:

• Council tax arrears for local authorities​
• Non‑domestic rates/business rates arrears​
• Parking and traffic Penalty Charge Notices issued by councils (including bus lane or congestion-type penalties where applicable)​
• Commercial rent arrears on behalf of landlords
• General debt recovery for public bodies and some private-sector clients (for example, sundry debts owed to councils or similar organisations)

What powers does Whyte & Co have?

Whyte & Co enforcement agents hold certificates that give them specific legal powers when recovering debts. These powers allow them to:

• Take control of goods you own, which can then be sold to pay off the debt
• Request and collect payment directly from you
• Visit your home under certain conditions
• Remove belongings from your property that meet the legal criteria

It’s important to understand that these actions must all follow proper legal procedures – bailiffs can’t simply turn up and take whatever they want.

Can Whyte & Co bailiffs use force to enter my property?

In most cases, Whyte & Co cannot force their way into your home. Forced entry is only permitted when collecting three specific types of debt:

• Unpaid criminal fines
• Income tax debts
• Stamp duty debts

For every other debt type (this includes council tax arrears and parking fines), you can refuse to let them in. They’re not allowed to break your door down, force windows open, or use any other method of forced entry.

There’s an important exception to be aware of. If you’ve previously allowed enforcement agents inside and signed a controlled goods agreement but then failed to maintain the agreed payment plan, they can return with a locksmith and use reasonable force to re-enter. This re-entry must be authorised under the original control of goods agreement.

What goods can Whyte and Co take?

When enforcement agents have gained lawful entry to your property, they’re permitted to list and potentially remove goods that you own. They’ll usually focus on valuable items that could be sold to recover the debt and contribute towards repayment, like:

• Vehicles (including cars, vans, and motorcycles)
• Audio-visual equipment like televisions and sound systems
• Computing equipment, including laptops and tablets
• Gaming equipment and consoles
• Jewellery and watches
• Household furniture

It’s worth knowing that Whyte & Co can remove vehicles from your property even without entering your home. Any vehicle that’s accessible – if it’s parked on your driveway – can be taken away.

What can't Whyte & Co take?

The law protects certain essential items from being removed by bailiffs. Whyte & Co enforcement agents are prohibited from taking:

• Any items belonging to other people in your household
• All pets, including guide dogs and assistance animals
• Work-related tools, equipment, and vehicles you need to earn your living (protected up to £1,350 in combined value)
• Vehicles displaying a blue disabled badge or those provided through Motability schemes
• Anything that’s permanently fixed to your property (fitted kitchens, bathroom installations, etc.)
• Basic household necessities including one dining table, sufficient chairs for your household, beds for all occupants, one cooker, one microwave, one fridge, and one telephone
• Any medical equipment, aids, or medication
• Goods you’re purchasing through hire purchase or finance agreements