ClearDebt collection and enforcement action in the UK has reached unprecedented levels. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing more families into financial difficulty, understanding the scale of the problem — and your rights — has never been more important.
This article brings together the latest statistics on UK debt, bailiff enforcement, and what happens when people can't pay.
The Scale of UK Debt
Total personal debt owed by UK households (2024)
The average UK household now owes approximately £65,500 in total debt, including mortgages. Excluding mortgages, the average unsecured debt per household stands at around £7,600.
Government debt has also ballooned, reaching over £2.8 trillion in 2024/25 — equivalent to nearly 96% of GDP. This is the highest level since the 1960s.
Household Debt Breakdown
- Mortgage debt: £1.62 trillion (secured)
- Consumer credit: £214 billion (unsecured)
- Credit card debt: £66 billion
- Average personal debt: £34,597 per adult
UK household debt now represents 146% of disposable income — the second-highest ratio among G7 nations, behind only Canada.
Bailiff and Enforcement Statistics
Estimated enforcement orders and warrants issued annually in the UK
The Centre for Social Justice reports that enforcement action has risen sharply in recent years. As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies, these numbers are expected to climb further.
High Court Enforcement Trends
High Court writ instructions grew by 41% in 2024, reflecting increased pressure on creditors to recover debts. This growth far exceeds the industry average of around 3.4%.
County Court bailiffs face severe capacity constraints, with average wait times of 6 months or more for landlord evictions in some areas. This has pushed more creditors towards High Court enforcement.
Council Tax Debt: A Growing Crisis
Of people behind on council tax cannot afford to pay the full amount demanded
Council tax debt is particularly harmful because of how quickly enforcement escalates. Missing just one monthly payment can result in the entire year's bill becoming due immediately — turning a £190 missed instalment into a £2,280 demand.
The Real Cost of Council Tax Enforcement
Bailiff fees can add £420 or more to the original debt. For debts over £1,500, enforcement agents can charge an additional 7.5% of the amount owed.
Who Is Most Affected?
Research shows certain groups are disproportionately affected by council tax debt:
- Low-income households make up the overwhelming majority of those in arrears
- Renters are 16 times more likely to be in arrears than homeowners
- Young people, women, and marginalised racial groups are overrepresented
- 68% of people in council tax arrears cannot save £10 per month
The Human Impact
The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute found that three-quarters of people referred to bailiffs have experienced mental health problems. The consequences extend far beyond financial stress:
- 94% of people facing bailiff action struggle to sleep at night
- 25% report bailiffs threatening them with imprisonment
- Over 80% say council communications leave them feeling anxious, scared, or depressed
- Many feel trapped in their homes — afraid to leave, yet fearful of a knock at the door
Bailiff Conduct Concerns
Research by the Enforcement Conduct Board in October 2024 analysed body camera footage from bailiffs and found multiple breaches of the National Standards for Enforcement Agents, including:
- Intimidating tactics against vulnerable individuals
- False claims that obstruction is a criminal offence leading to 52 weeks in prison
- False claims about being able to access bank account information
- Threats to "disrespect" occupants if debts aren't paid immediately
Regulatory Changes Coming
In June 2025, the government announced plans to overhaul enforcement regulation, including independent oversight accountable to Parliament and raising the threshold for additional bailiff fees.
Your Rights When Facing Debt Collection
If you're struggling with debt, it's important to know:
- Bailiffs cannot force entry on their first visit for most debts (including council tax)
- You must receive 7 clear days' notice before a bailiff can visit
- Certain items are protected and cannot be taken (essential household items, work tools up to £1,350)
- Vulnerable people should receive additional protections
- You can complain to the Enforcement Conduct Board if bailiffs break the rules
Where to Get Help
If you're facing debt problems, free advice is available from:
- Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
- StepChange — stepchange.org (free debt advice charity)
- National Debtline — nationaldebtline.org
- Money Helper — moneyhelper.org.uk
Don't ignore debt problems — they rarely go away on their own, and early action gives you more options.
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Statistics in this article are drawn from:
- Office for Budget Responsibility (April 2025)
- Office for National Statistics
- Centre for Social Justice
- Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
- Enforcement Conduct Board (October 2024)
- StepChange Debt Charity
- High Court Enforcement Group
- House of Commons Library