Marston: your rights and how to deal with them
A notice or a visit from Marston? Here is who they are, what their agents can and cannot do, the fees they can legally charge, and how to agree payments or complain.
Applies to: England & Wales
What to do now
- Check the date on your notice of enforcement — you have at least 14 clear days.
- Contact Marston and offer an affordable arrangement before the deadline.
- Check every fee with the bailiff fee checker.
Who are Marston?
Marston, part of Marston Holdings, is one of the largest enforcement agencies in England and Wales. It says it works for more than 280 local authorities and central government, collecting debts such as council tax, business rates, parking penalties, magistrates’ fines and child maintenance, and it also carries out High Court enforcement. Rossendales and Swift Credit Services are Marston Holdings companies.
| What it is | High Court enforcement and certificated enforcement agency |
|---|---|
| Group | Marston Holdings |
| Brands | Marston Recovery, Marston High Court, Engage, NSL and Scott & Co |
| Based in | London |
| Companies House number | 04305487 |
| Enforcement Conduct Board | Accredited |
| Trade body | CIVEA and High Court Enforcement Officers Association |
| Enforces | council tax, business rates, parking (PCN), magistrates' fines, High Court writs (CCJs), commercial rent (CRAR) and child maintenance |
| Official website | https://www.marstonholdings.co.uk/ |
Councils that say on their own websites that they use Marston include Manchester City Council, Halton Borough Council, Wandsworth Council and Milton Keynes City Council. Your notice of enforcement names the firm and the creditor for your case.
Is Marston a scam?
Marston is a real High Court enforcement and certificated enforcement agency. A genuine visit is always preceded by a written notice of enforcement giving at least 14 clear days (for notices from 1 May 2026). Fraudsters sometimes pretend to be bailiffs: check the agent’s identity and certificate, and pay only through the firm’s official website or the details on your notice.
What Marston’s agents can and cannot do
- For most debts, including council tax, parking penalties and County Court Judgments, they cannot force their way into your home. When bailiffs can enter.
- They cannot visit between 9pm and 6am, or enter if only children under 16 or vulnerable people are at home.
- They cannot take essentials, work tools up to £1,350, or other people’s belongings. What bailiffs can take.
- Their fees are fixed by law. Check the fees you are being charged.
How to deal with Marston
- Read the notice of enforcement and add the date to the deadline planner.
- Contact Marston before the notice period ends and offer an affordable arrangement.
- Ask a free debt adviser to request a longer notice period — if they ask before it ends, it must be extended to at least 28 clear days.
- Tell the firm if you or anyone in your home is vulnerable; agents must take it into account.
- If an agent is at the door now, follow bailiff at the door.
Contacting Marston
Use the contact and payment details on the firm’s official website: https://payments.marstonholdings.co.uk/, or the details on your notice. My Debt Cleared is not connected with Marston. We cannot see or change your case.
Complaining about Marston
Complain to Marston first, in writing, and to the council or creditor that instructed it. If you are not happy with Marston’s final response, you can complain to the Enforcement Conduct Board, free. For High Court enforcement, the High Court Enforcement Officers Association can also look at complaints about its members. For a certificated enforcement agent, you can complain to the County Court that issued the certificate using form EAC2. If a council instructed it, you can go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman about the council’s handling. How to complain about a bailiff.
Sources for this page
- www.marstonholdings.co.uk/
- www.marstonholdings.co.uk/marstonrecovery/
- www.marstonholdings.co.uk/engage/
- find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04305487
- lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/latest-news-and-features/rossendales-sells-to-national-rival-
- democracy.gedling.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=743
- www.transportxtra.com/publications/parking-review/news/35554/bailiff-marston-buys-swift
- enforcementconductboard.org/directory/
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Can Marston force entry?
Not for most debts. For council tax, parking penalties and County Court Judgments, enforcement agents cannot force their way into your home. Force is only allowed in limited cases, such as some criminal fines and income tax, or if you have broken a controlled goods agreement.
Is Marston legit?
Yes, Marston is a real High Court enforcement and certificated enforcement agency. Check any agent’s identity, and pay only through official channels.
How much can Marston charge?
Fees are set by law. For most debts from 1 May 2026: £79 at the compliance stage, £247 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,900 once an agent visits, and £116 plus 7.5% above £1,900 at the sale stage. High Court enforcement uses a different scale.
How do I complain about Marston?
Complain to the firm and to whoever instructed it first. If you are not happy with the response, you can go to the Enforcement Conduct Board. You can also complain to the court about a certificated agent using form EAC2.