News

Know your bailiff

Published

11 years ago

February 23, 2015

BAILIFFS have recently been granted new powers. However, how many of us are aware of their rights when they hear that knock on the door? Here’s a quick summary of the different types of bailiff and debt collectors you might encounter, what they are allowed to do, and who to contact for help and advice.

Certified Enforcement Agents are appointed by the Magistrates Courts (CHECK). Under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcements Act of 2007, they have certain powers to enter properties and to seize goods. Certified Enforcement Agents are either officers of the Courts, or private contracted firms. They deal with debts relating to: Council Tax; High and County Court Judgements; Magistrates Court fines and Compensation Orders; parking penalties; child support; income tax; National Insurance; VAT, and business rent. If your debt is not from one of these, it’s probably not a Certified Enforcement Agent.

Enforcement Agents can only force their way into your house if they have applied to the court for a Paragraph 15 warrant of entry. This only applies in law with unpaid criminal court fines. They cannot remove goods in your absence unless you have signed a compliant regulation 15 controlled goods agreement with those goods listed on it.

Agents can enter your house through an unlocked door. They cannot force their way past you, or enter the house when only children or vulnerable people are present, or at night. They must only enter through a door. If you don’t let them in, they are entitled to seize property outside your house, for example a car.

If you do not owe money to any of the above, or have not received notice that the bailiff is visiting, you are probably dealing with a debt collector. Always ask to see identification. Debt collectors have none of the powers discussed above, and if they try to convince you that they are a bailiff, or have the right to enter your home, they are committing an offence.

The new regulations concerning bailiffs have led to some confusion and disagreements locally. The Herald understands that the police were called to the Mount Estate in Milford Haven last week, after reports of an altercation between a bailiff and a local resident.

According to witnesses, on Thursday (Feb 5) the bailiff entered through the patio doors of a property in the Birch Mead area of the Mount before the argument took place. A Police spokesperson confirmed that officers had visited the Estate following ‘a request for assistance.’ However, no injuries were reported, and no arrests were made.

If you need more detailed advice on bailiffs, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0844 477 2020. They will contact you within 48 hours. Alternatively, check their website www.adviceguide. org.uk for details of local drop-in sessions. To complain about a Certified Enforcement Agent, download a form from www.gov. uk

Crime

Jury told to continue deliberations in historic child sex abuse trial

Published

3 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Judge says majority verdict may be accepted after jurors report deadlock at Swansea Crown Court

A JURY has been told to continue its deliberations in the trial of a Milford Haven man accused of historic child sex offences after indicating it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Thomas Kirk, aged 50, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, is on trial at Swansea Crown Court charged with rape and sexual assault of a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place in Pembrokeshire between 2007 and 2009, when the complainant was aged between thirteen and fifteen.

At midday on Wednesday (Dec 18), the jury returned to court to say they were unable to reach a verdict on which all jurors agreed.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told the jury that while he would be prepared to accept a majority verdict if at least ten jurors were in agreement, he still wanted them to continue deliberations in an effort to reach a unanimous decision.

The jury was then sent back out to continue considering its verdict.

The trial continues.

Crime

Police appeal to locate 69-year-old man wanted in harassment investigation

Published

29 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE are appealing for information to help locate a man from the Ammanford area who is wanted in connection with a harassment offence.

Alan Tait, aged 69, is being sought by officers as part of an ongoing investigation.

Police believe he may currently be in the Derbyshire area, but say he also has links to South Wales and Gwent.

Anyone with information that could assist officers in locating him is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police.

Charity

Bluestone Foundation marks year of impact with more than £60,000 for local causes

Published

44 minutes ago

December 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE BLUESTONE FOUNDATION, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort, has marked a significant year of community investment after raising and distributing more than £60,000 to support projects across Pembrokeshire in 2025.

Run in partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS), the Foundation has continued to expand its reach, backing a wide range of charities and community organisations working at the heart of the county.

During the year, the Foundation’s Community Fund delivered three rounds of grants, supporting projects focused on wellbeing, inclusion, creativity, and environmental protection.

Environmental organisations including BlueGreen Cymru, Greener Growth CIC and Sea Trust Wales received funding, alongside wellbeing and inclusion groups such as ASD Family Help, Get the Boys a Lift, No Shame Foundation and Silbers CIC.

Creative, youth and heritage organisations including Little Grebe Creative CIC, Pater Hall Community Trust, Milford Haven Community Society, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and VC Gallery also benefited.

In total, £32,968.57 was awarded through the Community Fund in 2025.

Fundraising events held at the Blue Lagoon Water Park generated a further £19,500 in unrestricted income. Under the Foundation’s funding model, 75 per cent of that money is passed directly to charities, with the remaining 25 per cent placed into a flexible fund to support causes that fall outside the Community Fund’s criteria.

Flexible funding totalling £4,500 was used this year to support initiatives including Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project, refurbishment work at Martletwy Young Farmers Club hall, Bloomfield Bus and Green Dragon Bus services, and Nacro’s Christmas appeal, providing food, warm clothing and essential items to people in crisis.

The Foundation also supported the PATCH Christmas Toy Appeal, encouraging staff and visitors at Bluestone to donate gifts for families referred to the charity during the festive period.

In addition, more than one hundred fundraising events across the region were supported through prize donations from the Foundation, including over 200 family passes to the Blue Lagoon Water Park, 32 overnight spa breaks and nine Bluestone holiday breaks.

Marten Lewis, Chair of the Bluestone Foundation said: “This year’s achievements reflect the heart of who we are at Bluestone. The Foundation exists to uplift the people and places that make Pembrokeshire such a special community.

“The impact of our partners, grant recipients and fundraising efforts in 2025 shows what is possible when we work together, and we are proud to see the difference it continues to make across the county.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Foundation has confirmed continued support for Sport Pembrokeshire’s Fit and Fed project and will act as gold sponsor of the DPJ Foundation’s Macchu Picchu trek.

Five further Blue Lagoon fundraising events are already scheduled between February and August, supporting Local Cadets, Belles Story, Martletwy YFC Hall, Blue Horizons Coastal Adventure and Friends of Portfield School.

Tickets for those events are available via the Bluestone Foundation’s Eventbrite page.

For more information about the Bluestone Foundation, visit the Bluestone website.