FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 June 2026
Enforcement Conduct Board finds inconsistencies in fee-charging practices
The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) has today published its Review into fee-charging practices across the enforcement sector. It found inconsistencies in the way firms are applying fees, with some people paying more in fees, or earlier in the enforcement process.
In 2025, the ECB identified a serious breach of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 at an accredited enforcement firm. The breach involved the improper charging of multiple enforcement fees in cases that should have been linked and handled together. Those affected are now being reimbursed under an ECB-supervised remediation plan, and the firm has implemented changes to its processes and practices.
The ECB then launched a sector-wide Review to examine how fees are applied in practice. The review found no evidence of widespread or systemic overcharging among the firms visited.
However, the review identified inconsistencies in how firms interpret and apply the regulations, including:
- how cases are identified and linked
- whether cases should be linked across different creditors
- when enforcement fees are triggered
- how and when sale fees are applied
Some current practices fall short of the spirit and intent of the relevant regulations and do not align with CIVEA guidance. The ECB believes that in many cases this is due to ambiguities in the way the regulations were drafted, and that clearer Standards for fee-charging are required, alongside ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance. It intends to consult on new Standards later this year, for implementation in 2027.
Chris Nichols, Chief Executive of the Enforcement Conduct Board, said:
“It is reassuring that we have not identified widespread or systemic overcharging, but inconsistencies in how the rules are applied are leading to unfair outcomes for some. People in similar circumstances should not face materially different fees depending on who is enforcing the debt, or in which part of the country.
“We have seen positive engagement from firms and a willingness to improve, which we welcome. But it is clear that new Standards are needed to remove ambiguity and ensure that fees are applied consistently across the sector.
“We will be consulting on proposals later this year and look forward to working with stakeholders to deliver a fairer system for those experiencing enforcement and a more level playing field for firms.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) is the independent oversight body responsible for overseeing the enforcement industry. Our mission is to ensure that everyone who experiences enforcement action is treated fairly. You can find out more about our work by visiting Who we are – enforcementconductboard
- The Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 set out the rules firms must follow when applying fees.
- The Review of fee-charging was announced following a significant breach by an accredited firm in 2025, as reported in various outlets. Find out more here Statement and Briefing on Linking of Enforcement Fees – enforcementconductboard
- Nine accredited firms were selected for visits, based on size and income, and the ECB conducted detailed examination of internal policies, case file reviews, and testing of fee application in operational settings. The full Review is available https://enforcementconductboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Thematic-Review-of-Fee-Charging.pdf
- The ECB also runs a complaints handling service for those who feel they’ve been treated unfairly by an enforcement firm or agent. The service was launched in January 2025. If we find an agent or firm has breached our standards, we recommend avenues of redress for the complainant, which accredited firms agree to comply with. Find out more here: Complaints policies and guidance – enforcementconductboard