Non-payment enforcement

Some debts are a priority as non-payment could lead to serious consequences such as loss of home or goods, disconnection of essential services or, in some cases, imprisonment.

These factsheets share information on the various stages of enforcement and the steps you can take to deal with priority debts.

• Mortgage arrears
• Rent arrears – England
• Rent arrears – secure occupation Wales
• Rent arrears – standard occupation Wales
• Council tax arrears
• Gas and electricity arrears
• Hire purchase debt
• Magistrates’ court fines

Although usually not as serious, creditors can take enforcement action for these debts.

• Water rates arrears and water trust funds
• Mobile phone debts
• Penalty charge notices (parking fines)

If you default on payments, creditors could issue a County Court claim to obtain a County Court Judgement (CCJ). CCJ’s are registered for six years and can affect your ability to obtain credit. They also give creditors additional powers to enforce a debt so it’s important not to ignore them.

These National Debtline factsheets provide information on the procedures and how to respond to court claims.

• County Court – replying to a claim
• County Court – defending a claim
• Varying a CCJ
• Setting aside a CCJ