What Is a Writ of Control and How Does It Work in Debt Recovery?

Discover how a High Court Writ of Control works in UK debt recovery. Learn how Shergroup helps enforce writs to recover debts fast and legally using High Court Enforcement.

Introduction: Taking Control of Debt Recovery in the UK

When a debt remains unpaid and court judgment has been secured, a Writ of Control can be the key to fast, lawful enforcement. If you are a creditor, landlord, or business owner struggling with unpaid debts, this powerful legal tool allows you to escalate your case with authority—and results.

At Shergroup, we help creditors across England and Wales enforce Writs of Control through our team of authorised High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs). You have seen what we do on our hit shows like Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up and Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away, and we bring that same energy, professionalism, and effectiveness to every case.

This blog post explains exactly what a Writ of Control is, how it works, and why High Court Enforcement is often the smartest path to successful UK debt collection.

What Is a Writ of Control? (Writ of Control Explained)

A Writ of Control is a legal document issued by the High Court of England and Wales. It authorises a High Court Enforcement Officer to enforce a court judgment by recovering money owed from a debtor.

This may include:

Collecting the full amount of the debt
Seizing and selling the debtor’s assets to satisfy the judgment

Previously known as a Writ of Fieri Facias (Fi Fa), the Writ of Control is now the standard legal method used for debt recovery when transferring a county court judgment (CCJ) of £600 or more to the High Court.

How Does a Writ of Control Work?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the process unfolds when enforcing a High Court Writ of Control through Shergroup:

1. Secure a Judgment

The first step is to have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or High Court Judgment in your favour. If you do not have one yet, Shergroup can guide you through the legal process of obtaining it.

2. Transfer to the High Court

For judgments of £600 or more (excluding cases under the Consumer Credit Act), the next step is to transfer the judgment to the High Court for enforcement. Shergroup handles this entire process for you.

3. Issuance of the Writ of Control

Once transferred, the High Court issues a Writ of Control. This document gives our High Court Enforcement Officers the legal power to contact the debtor and collect payment—or, if necessary, seize goods.

4. Enforcement Visit

Shergroup’s enforcement team makes a visit to the debtor’s address. The officer will:

Request payment in full
Attempt to enter into a Controlled Goods Agreement (a legally binding payment arrangement)
If payment is not made, begin the process of seizing goods for auction

5. Debt Recovery and Resolution

Goods may be removed and sold to satisfy the debt. Often, however, the presence of a Shergroup Enforcement Officer leads to prompt payment without further escalation. We work firmly but respectfully, aiming for quick and lawful resolution.

Benefits of Enforcing a Writ of Control with Shergroup

Enforcing a debt recovery writ through the High Court is faster and more effective than waiting for County Court bailiffs. Here’s why thousands choose Shergroup:

Feature	County Court Bailiffs	Shergroup High Court Enforcement
Speed	Slow – often 6-12 weeks (about 3 months)	Fast – typically 7-14 days (about 2 weeks)
Success Rate	Lower collection success	High recovery rate
Authority	Limited powers	Full powers under High Court Writ
Asset Recovery	No seizure without warrant	Can seize and sell goods legally

Plus, with Shergroup, you get:

A dedicated Business Solutions Team
Real-time updates and case tracking
National coverage across England and Wales
Full legal compliance and professionalism

Real Debt Recovery in Action – As Seen on TV

Shergroup’s enforcement work has been featured in two major UK TV shows:

Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up – See our real-life HCEOs in action, helping creditors recover what is owed.
Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away – A raw, behind-the-scenes look at debt recovery and High Court Enforcement that shows the human side of every case.

These programmes highlight how Shergroup balances decisive legal enforcement with compassion and respect for all parties involved.

FAQs: Common Questions About Writs of Control

Who Can Use a Writ of Control?

Any individual, landlord, or business owed money with a qualifying judgment of £600 or more (not under CCA) can use a Writ of Control.

How Long Does It Take?

Shergroup can issue a Writ within days of receiving your judgment. Enforcement action can begin as quickly as 7 days later.

Can I Recover My Costs?

Yes! The debtor is usually responsible for paying enforcement fees and interest, so you are likely to recover your full judgment and associated costs.

Need Fast Debt Recovery? Let Shergroup Take the Lead

Do not let unpaid debts sit and grow. If you are owed money and want a proven legal path to recovery, a Writ of Control enforced by Shergroup may be the solution you need.

Fast, effective High Court Enforcement
Experienced HCEOs trained in conflict resolution
Trusted by landlords, businesses, and legal professionals alike

Ready to Take Control of Your Debt Recovery?

You can reach us |
By Phone | 020 3588 4240
Website | www.shergroup.com and you can chat to us from here
Email | hub@shergroup.com
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LINKEDIN | Check out Shergroup’s LINKEDIN – and please FOLLOW us!
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YouTube | Check out Shergroup YouTube Channel – and Subscribe to Our Channel!
Google My Business | https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1pUNBKfFv2SVnjQ6Whether you are dealing with a stubborn debtor or simply need a helping hand in the legal maze of UK debt collection, Shergroup is here to help—with results you can see.