Bristow & Sutor

Bristow & Sutor: debt resolution for the public sector in the UK

Bristow & Sutor is a company based in Redditch, England, that presents itself as a leading provider in the collection of Council Tax debt, parking fines (Penalty Charge Notices, PCNs) and non-domestic rates for the public sector. Its activity is aimed at local authorities and central and local government in the UK, and covers all types of debt.

Services and scope of action

The company offers end-to-end debt resolution services. Among the types of debt it manages are Council Tax, parking fines (PCNs) and non-domestic rates. Its clients are local authorities and public administrations in the UK. The company states that it handles more than three million cases a year.

Approach and methodology

Bristow & Sutor describes itself as a trusted intermediary between its clients and debtors. Its method combines experience, technology, data analysis and behavioural science. The company states that its priority is customer welfare and social responsibility, and that it applies strategies sensitive to the needs of debtors. It presents itself as digital by default and uses digital technologies to improve the experience of both its clients and debtors. It also uses multi-channel contact and facilitates frictionless payments.

Structure and governance

The company is organised as a group, with a governance structure that includes policies, regulatory compliance and adherence to national and international standards. Its activity is governed by applicable legislation, in particular the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (TCE) and the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014. The company publishes reports such as the gender pay gap report and maintains diversity, equity and inclusion policies, as well as data privacy policies.

Update of enforcement fees

The Ministry of Justice announced a review of the fees and charges applicable to debts enforceable under the TCE. The new scale of fees applies to all new cases received on or after 1 May. In the Non-High Court area, the compliance stage rises from £75 to £79; the enforcement stage, from £235 plus 7.5% of the debt balance above £1,500, to £247 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,900; and the sale or disposal stage, from £110 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,500, to £116 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,900. In the High Court area, the compliance stage rises from £75 to £79; the first enforcement stage, from £190 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,000, to £200 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,200; the second enforcement stage, from £495 to £520; and the sale or disposal stage, from £525 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,000, to £550 plus 7.5% of the balance above £1,200.

Client relations and communication

The company maintains collaborations with local authorities; for example, Colchester City Council has been a partner since 2022. Bristow & Sutor publishes news, blogs and webcasts under the 'Leading the Way' series, with information and analysis on the debt resolution sector. It also has a head of corporate social responsibility and customer welfare.

Corporate details

Bristow & Sutor is a private company registered in England and Wales with number 01431688. Its registered address is Bartleet Road, Washford, Redditch, B98 0FL.

Location and contact

Bartleet Road, Washford, Redditch, B98 0FL