Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2026: Key Changes Coming into Force on 1 May

The Taking Control of Goods (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 have been laid before Parliament and are due to come into force on 1 May 2026, introducing a number of important changes to the enforcement process in England and Wales.

The amendments are intended to provide greater protections for debtors, improve access to debt advice and modernise aspects of the enforcement framework. They also introduce changes that enforcement professionals, creditors and organisations involved in debt recovery should understand ahead of implementation.

What Are the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2026?

The Regulations are a statutory instrument that amends existing enforcement legislation governing the taking control of goods process.

Made on 24 March 2026 and laid before Parliament on 26 March 2026, the Regulations will apply to enforcement action taking place on or after 1 May 2026. Enforcement action already commenced before this date will not be affected by the changes.

The amendments focus on four key areas: notice periods, debtor information requirements, enforcement fees and procedural safeguards.

Extended Notice Periods Before Enforcement Action

One of the most significant changes is the extension of the minimum notice period before enforcement agents can take control of goods.

Under the new rules, the notice period will increase from 7 clear days to 14 clear days, providing debtors with additional time to respond before enforcement action can proceed.

In addition, where a recognised debt advice provider requests more time on behalf of an eligible debtor before the initial notice period expires, the notice period must be extended to 28 clear days.

The aim is to provide greater opportunity for individuals experiencing financial difficulties to seek professional advice and explore repayment options before enforcement action progresses.

Additional Information Requirements for Notices

The revised regulations also strengthen the information that must be provided within a Notice of Enforcement.

Going forward, notices must clearly explain:

• The availability of free debt advice services.

• How debtors can access support and guidance.

• The possibility of qualifying for an extended notice period under the new provisions.

These changes are intended to ensure debtors are better informed about their rights and available support before enforcement action takes place.

Changes to Enforcement Fees and Escalation

The Regulations introduce several updates to the enforcement fee structure and the circumstances in which fees can escalate between stages of enforcement.

Notably, enforcement agents will no longer be able to move directly to the second stage of enforcement following an initial attendance where no contact has been established, unless the debtor has first been given a further opportunity to either:

• Pay the debt in full.

• Enter into a repayment arrangement.

• Agree to a controlled goods agreement.

The amendments also formally recognise repayment arrangements within the enforcement framework, reflecting common practice and providing greater clarity for both debtors and enforcement professionals.

Updated Fee Thresholds and Charges

The Regulations increase the thresholds used to calculate percentage-based enforcement fees.

For non-High Court enforcement, the threshold increases from £1,500 to £1,900.

For High Court writ enforcement, the threshold increases from £1,000 to £1,200.

Updated fixed fees will apply as follows:

Non-High Court Enforcement

• Compliance Stage: £79

• Enforcement Stage: £247

• Sale or Disposal Stage: £116

High Court Writ Enforcement

• Compliance Stage: £79

• First Enforcement Stage: £200

• Second Enforcement Stage: £520

• Sale or Disposal Stage: £550

These revised fee levels are intended to reflect changes in operational costs and the wider enforcement environment.

New Notice of Enforcement Form

As part of the amendments, a revised Notice of Enforcement form will replace the existing version currently in use.

The updated form has been designed to make key debtor protections clearer and more accessible, including:

• The minimum 14-day response period before an enforcement visit can take place.

• Information regarding eligibility for notice period extensions through debt advice providers.

• Clearer explanations of available support and next steps.

The updated format aims to improve transparency and help debtors better understand the enforcement process.

What Do These Changes Mean in Practice?

Taken together, the Regulations represent a notable shift towards increased debtor engagement and greater emphasis on early intervention.

By extending notice periods, improving signposting to debt advice services and introducing additional safeguards around fee escalation, the changes seek to provide debtors with more time and opportunity to resolve matters before enforcement action progresses.

At the same time, creditors and enforcement professionals will need to review their procedures, documentation and compliance processes to ensure they are fully prepared for implementation from 1 May 2026.

For those wishing to review the legislation in full, the official UK Parliament website provides access to statutory instruments and related guidance.