Glossary · UK
What is Writ of Control?
A High Court order authorising enforcement agents to seize a debtor’s goods to recover an unpaid County Court or High Court debt.
Full Definition
A writ of control is a High Court enforcement order that authorises certificated enforcement agents (often still referred to informally as "bailiffs") to visit a debtor's premises, take control of goods, and, if the debt remains unpaid, sell those goods at auction to recover money owed under a court judgment. It is the High Court equivalent of a warrant of control issued by the County Court, and County Court Judgment (CCJ) debts of £600 or more can be transferred up ("upped") to the High Court specifically so a writ of control can be used, because High Court enforcement officers generally have wider powers and can act faster than County Court bailiffs. Before goods can be seized, the enforcement agent must normally give the debtor at least seven clear days' notice of their first visit (a "notice of enforcement"), giving the debtor a final opportunity to pay in full, agree a payment plan, or seek debt advice. Certain goods are always protected from seizure regardless of the type of enforcement action, including items needed for basic domestic living and tools of the debtor's trade up to a limited value, and enforcement agents are also barred from taking control of goods belonging to someone other than the named debtor.