The Taking Control of Goods framework
The Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, with the underlying Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, set out the procedure by which enforcement agents take control of goods to satisfy a debt. The procedure includes specific steps: notice of enforcement, controlled-goods agreement (CGA), inventory of controlled goods, removal to secure storage, valuation, sale by auction or private treaty, and accounting for the proceeds. We provide the practical support for the inventory, removal and storage stages, working under the enforcement agent's instructions and to documented chain-of-custody standards.
Same-day removal of controlled goods
Where an enforcement agent has taken control of goods and intends to remove them for sale, we provide same-day removal from the debtor's property to secure storage. Our vehicles are equipped for safe removal of furniture, electrical goods, tools, vehicles (where the enforcement agent has authority) and high-value items. The chain-of-custody documentation is started at the moment we take possession at the debtor's property and continues unbroken until the goods are sold.
Controlled-goods storage
Our secure storage facility is approved for the storage of controlled goods. Each lot is stored separately, photographed on arrival, and held under the enforcement agent's instructions. Storage charges are at our standard framework rates and form part of the recoverable enforcement costs.
Inventory and valuation support
For enforcement agents who require a written inventory and indicative valuation as part of the CGA process, we provide this within the on-site appointment. The inventory uses the standard format compatible with the major enforcement-agent case management systems.
Discreet attendance for sensitive cases
Some enforcement work is in occupied family homes, in commercial premises with members of the public present, or in situations where the debtor's circumstances require unusual care. Our crews are briefed on the appropriate conduct for each case and we will attend in unmarked vehicles, with plain workwear, where the enforcement agent requests this.
Frequently asked questions
Are you on the panel for any HCEO firms?
Yes — we work with several HCEO firms across the UK as a panel supplier. New panel arrangements take 2-4 weeks to set up.
Can you attend out-of-hours and at weekends?
Yes. Enforcement attendance is most commonly during normal hours but we can attend evenings and weekends where the enforcement agent requires it.
Do you carry the right insurance for controlled-goods removal?
Yes — £5m PL, £10m EL, plus £100,000 goods-in-transit and contractor's all-risks. Certificates supplied at framework setup.
Can you support an enforcement agent in obtaining a writ of control execution?
We provide the practical support for the inventory and removal stages. The legal aspects of the enforcement are the agent's responsibility, not ours.
How are enforcement-support fees structured?
Framework rates for panel firms, typically a fixed attendance fee plus a removal fee per cubic metre, plus storage at a weekly rate. Auction-house liaison and sale support are charged separately.