Council Tax Warning: Bailiffs Clamping Cars in Pembrokeshire – What You Need to Know

Moving your car to a secure location and contacting the relevant authority could save you from further financial pressure and personal hardship.

Around six weeks ago, Pembrokeshire County Council issued a large batch of liability orders to residents with outstanding council tax. If you were among those who received one and haven’t acted on it, you could now be at serious risk of enforcement action — including having your vehicle clamped.

There are increasing reports that enforcement agents (commonly referred to as bailiffs) are now operating across the area, clamping cars in connection with these unpaid council tax debts.

What is a Liability Order?

A liability order is a legal document obtained by the council through the Magistrates’ Court. It gives the council the power to collect unpaid council tax through enforcement measures. This can include employing enforcement agents to visit your home or seize property, most commonly by clamping your vehicle.

Where Is This Happening?

Enforcement agents are clamping cars not only on public roads but also in places many people assume are safe, such as:

• Supermarket car parks

• Large retail parks

• Shared residential parking areas

• Public spaces near workplaces

Although some of these places are privately owned, they are classed as publicly accessible. This means that bailiffs are legally allowed to carry out enforcement there. Large retailers and property owners generally do not intervene in such matters.

How to Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings

If you’ve received a liability order, or suspect you may have, here are steps you can take to avoid further stress, financial penalties, or loss of property:

1. Move Your Vehicle to a Secure Location

   Park it on private land that is not accessible to the public. A locked garage or behind a secured gate is ideal. A driveway may offer some protection, but only if it cannot be easily accessed by the public.

2. Do Not Leave Your Vehicle in Supermarket or Retail Car Parks

   These are among the first places bailiffs check. Vehicles left in such locations overnight are particularly vulnerable.

3. Remove Valuables and Important Items

   If your vehicle is clamped or seized, personal belongings inside may be recorded and removed as part of the enforcement process. This is especially true for tools and equipment that could be considered of value.

4. Contact the Council or Enforcement Agency Immediately

   If you've received a notice but haven’t dealt with it yet, time is critical. Most agencies will agree to a payment arrangement if contacted before they take enforcement action.

5. Seek Independent Advice

   If you are unsure what to do or believe the debt is incorrect, speak to a local advice agency or financial support service. They can help you understand your rights and may be able to delay or prevent enforcement.

   
   

Know Your Rights

• Bailiffs cannot force entry into your home for council tax debt.

• They must give notice before their first visit.

• They are required to identify themselves and explain what debt they are collecting.

• Certain vehicles, such as those used by disabled individuals, may be exempt from seizure — but you must provide proof.

Take Action Now

This is not a situation to ignore. Even if the letter seemed routine or you believed the matter had time, once a liability order is issued, enforcement can escalate quickly. The cost of inaction can be high — not just in money, but in the added stress and disruption to daily life.

If you received one of these liability orders, deal with it immediately. Moving your car to a secure location and contacting the relevant authority could save you from further financial pressure and personal hardship.