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.
Dywedodd Chris Nichols, Prif Weithredwr y Bwrdd Ymddygiad Gorfodi:
“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.”
DIWEDD
Nodiadau i'r Golygydd
- Y Bwrdd Ymddygiad Gorfodi (ECB) yw'r corff goruchwylio annibynnol sy'n gyfrifol am oruchwylio'r diwydiant gorfodi. Ein cenhadaeth yw sicrhau bod pawb sy'n profi camau gorfodi yn cael eu trin yn deg. Gallwch ddysgu mwy am ein gwaith drwy ymweld â Pwy ydym ni – bwrdd gorfodi
- Rheoliadau Cymryd Rheolaeth dros Nwyddau (Ffioedd) 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
- Mae'r BCE hefyd yn cynnal gwasanaeth trin cwynion i'r rhai sy'n teimlo eu bod wedi cael eu trin yn annheg gan gwmni neu asiant gorfodi. Lansiwyd y gwasanaeth ym mis Ionawr 2025. Os byddwn yn canfod bod asiant neu gwmni wedi torri ein safonau, rydym yn argymell llwybrau iawndal i'r achwynydd, y mae cwmnïau achrededig yn cytuno i gydymffurfio â nhw. Dysgwch fwy yma: Polisïau a chanllawiau cwynion – bwrdd gorfodi