Can’t Pay? Take It Away – The Truth Behind the TV and the Law 

If you have watched Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away; you have seen High Court Enforcement Officers in action—often turning up at the doorstep to recover unpaid debts. But how far can a UK debt collection agency legally go? 

At Shergroup, we are proud to have featured in these powerful real-life TV shows, offering an inside look at the legal limits and procedures of debt collection in the UK. This blog will give you a clear, helpful guide to what a collection agency in the UK can do—and, just as importantly, what they cannot. 

What Can a UK Debt Collection Agency Legally Do? 

·        Contact You About the Debt 

A registered UK debt collection agency has the legal right to contact a debtor by phone, email, or letter. Their goal is to open communication and encourage voluntary repayment. Respectful and professional conduct is not just best practice—it is the law. 

·        Set Up Payment Arrangements 

Collection agencies can help negotiate realistic repayment plans between creditors and debtors. These arrangements often help avoid court proceedings and benefit both sides. 

·        Take Legal Action (If Authorised) 

If voluntary payment is not possible, a creditor can apply to the court for a County Court Judgment (CCJ). If granted, Shergroup can transfer the case to the High Court and enforce it through a Writ of Control, allowing our officers to attend to the debtor’s property. 

What a Collection Agency Cannot Do in the UK 

Enter Your Home Without Permission (Unless Legally Authorised) 

This is a common misconception. No debt collector can force entry into a home without proper legal authority. Even with a High Court Writ, Shergroup officers must follow strict legal procedures, entering only through unlocked doors or with peaceful permission. 

·        Harass or Threaten You 

By law, debt collection must remain fair, respectful, and non-threatening. Repeated or aggressive contact is considered harassment and can be reported to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Trading Standards. 

·        Take Essential Items 

Even with legal authority, enforcement officers cannot seize essential household goods, such as bedding, clothing, or white goods (like fridges or cookers). We focus on proportional and ethical enforcement. 

Shergroup’s Role: Legal, Ethical, Fast Debt Recovery 

Featured on Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away, Shergroup offers legal enforcement that respects the law, and the people involved. As a trusted collection agency in the UK, we: 

• Work under proper legal authority 
• Treat all parties with dignity and fairness 
• Offer solutions that benefit creditors and protect vulnerable individuals 

Need Help Navigating Debt Recovery? We are Here to Guide You 

Whether you are a landlord, business owner, or private individual, Shergroup can help you recover what is owed—quickly, legally, and compassionately. 

By Phone  | 020 3588 4240
Website    | www.shergroup.com and you can chat to us from here
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Shergroup: We do not just collect debts—we build resolutions that work 

Can’t Pay? Take It Away – What UK Debt Collection Agencies Can and Can’t Do Legally