In line with CIVEA’s (Civil Enforcement Association) code of practice and for everyone’s safety, all of our agents are equipped with body worn cameras which are used at all times. Details of our privacy notice can be viewed here.
Equita deal with a wide range of enforceable debts including Council Tax, business rates, parking fines and commercial rent. We abide by the Ministry of Justice guidelines on civil enforcement. The links below should help to answer your queries.
I've received a Notice of Enforcement. What should I do?
The notice gives you a minimum of seven clear days to either pay your debt or contact us to discuss it. This is called the Compliance Stage. Please note that a £75 charge will have been added to your account as soon as we received your case from our client.
What happens if I ignore the letter?
If you don’t pay your debt or contact us during the Compliance Stage, a civil enforcement agent will visit your home to seek payment or seize goods. This is called the Enforcement Stage. Again, this visit will add to your costs (see link to fees).
I've received a letter for someone who doesn't live at my address. What should I do?
Please contact us immediately so we can update our records and advise our client. If you know the person the letter is addressed to, or have a forwarding address or contact telephone number, please let us know. You can write to us at Equita Limited, 42-44 Henry Street, Northampton, NN1 4BZ or call us on 01604 628 360.
What happens when the enforcement agent calls?
He or she will try to negotiate payment for your debt. If you can’t agree, they’ll make an inventory of your goods in a process known as Taking Control of Goods. You’ll be asked to sign a document called a Controlled Goods Agreement, which postpones your goods from being removed at this point.
What happens if I can't pay?
If you’re unable to pay the debt in full, we may be able to accept a short-term arrangement (depending on the circumstances). This usually means meeting the enforcement agent again to agree on the next steps. We will take into consideration individual financial circumstances, and carry out a full affordability assessment, then where appropriate put in place a realistic, affordable and individualised payment arrangement.
How can I pay?
Depending on the type of debt you owe, you can pay:
- Directly to the enforcement agent
- By credit or debit card (click here to pay online now)
- By setting up a direct debit
- Through PayPoint
- At the Post Office
- By banker’s draft or building society cheque
- By post to Equita Ltd, PO Box 5524, Northampton NN1 4YS.
All payments must be made to Equita Ltd and must include all fees and charges. Please make sure you include your case reference number, your name and address with all payments.
What happens if I pay my debt directly to the creditor?
That’s fine. However, please note that you will still need to pay any fees due to us up to that point, and an enforcement agent may visit to collect any outstanding balance.
What happens if I default on my arrangement, or make no further contact with Equita?
An enforcement agent may call to remove goods which can be sold to repay your debt. Please note that this visit will add further costs to your account (see link below).
I have a dispute relating to the debt or offence. What can I do?
You need to take this up directly with the company or authority involved. We will continue to try to recover the debt unless we’re instructed otherwise by our client.
How much will I be charged?
How can I make a complaint about Equita or its employees?
We understand that a visit from an enforcement agent can be stressful but rest assured that all our agents are fully trained, highly experienced and work in a professional, sensitive manner.
If you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, or that our agent has acted incorrectly, you should write to: The Complaints Manager, Equita Ltd, 42-44 Henry Street, Northampton, NN1 4BZ, or click here to complete the online complaints form.
What if my case was sent to Equita before 6 April 2014?
If we wrote to and visited you before 6 April 2014, please contact us on 01604 628 360 for details of the special arrangement agreed by the Ministry of Justice.
