Question 1

What is the recovery process under Tribunals Courts Enforcement 2007?

Accepted Answer

The Tribunals Courts Enforcement 2007 (TCE) introduces two processes, one for High Court Writs and one for all other cases – the latter process being named a “Warrant of Control”. In non-High Court enforcement there are 3 distinct stages:

1. Compliance Stage
2. Enforcement Stage
3. Sale Stage

The cost to the debtor increases with each distinct stage.
At High Court there is an additional enforcement stage.

Question 2

I need help with financial problems. Who can I turn to?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing payment difficulties and would like to set up a specific payment arrangement, please contact a member of our friendly welfare team to discuss your proposal.
 
Alternatively, if you need help confronting financial problem there are a number of national debt advisory services recommended by the government, who will help you for free. Click here to for more details.

Question 3

What happens if I ignore Dukes’ Enforcement correspondence?

Accepted Answer

Your debt will not go away. We are obliged by law to enforce your debt. If you ignore our correspondence you will be visited by an Enforcement Agent, which will result in:
Your debt increasing.
Visit our Regs & Fees page for a breakdown of fees that can be added to your account.
Your right to pay in instalments may be withdrawn

Your goods may be seized and removed without warning

Question 4

What happens if I refuse to pay a debt?

Accepted Answer

If you refuse to pay what you owe, further costs will be added to your debt. If you continue to refuse to pay, the Local Authority will consider their options for recovery. Depending on the type and level of debt they could apply to the Magistrates for:

• Committal to prison
• Bankruptcy
• Attachment to Earnings / Benefits
• County Court Judgement

It is important to note that these actions can have a detrimental effect on your credit rating. This can affect your ability to obtain a loan, credit card or mortgage in the future.

Question 5

Can I manage my account without speaking to anyone at Dukes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 
 
The letter(s) / Notice that you have received from us will have your Dukes Reference and Client Reference number on. You must use this information to log in to our online application. 
 
Once you log in you will be able to 
Find out details about your debt including the total costs and fees added to your account (at the time of when you are logged in)
See the total balance of your account
Make payment in full
Request a payment arrangement
Confirm the date of when your next payment is due
Download a copy of your account statement
Seek independent debt advice
 
Login to manage your account now.

Question 6

Can Debt Collectors find out where I live?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Debt Collectors use intelligent technology to identity a debtors current address based on financial data. It is not possible to hide from debts.