London Warrant (LWE): what a letter means and what to do

A notice of enforcement from LWE gives you a short window before an agent can visit, and a visit adds at least £247 to what you owe. Use that time to check the debt with the council, offer a payment you can afford and get free advice. This page covers England and Wales.

Who are London Warrant Enforcement?

The company is LONDON WARRANT ENFORCEMENT LTD., company number 04388195. It is an active private limited company, incorporated on 6 March 2002, with its registered office in London. It was called John Caldon Limited until 23 November 2007. Companies House lists one individual as holding 75% or more of the shares, rather than a parent group.

LWE has been accredited by the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB) since October 2023. It is not on the CIVEA members list. LWE says its field agents hold a level 3 qualification in taking control of goods and have training in spotting vulnerability.

Why are LWE contacting you?

LWE says it has worked for local authorities, magistrates’ courts and private landlords since 2002, and that it works with many London boroughs and district councils in the Home Counties. Its work includes:

• Council tax and business rates, enforcing liability orders under the Taking Control of Goods rules. The council needs a liability order from the magistrates’ court first. See council tax bailiffs.
• Arrest warrants with and without bail for council tax arrears, and serving statutory demands and bankruptcy petitions.
• Commercial rent arrears recovery (CRAR) for business landlords, and High Court enforcement.
• Debt collection of council sundry debts, such as commercial waste and overpaid housing benefit, under the name LWE Collections.

Council tax arrears are a priority debt, because the consequences of not paying are serious. Our guide to council tax arrears covers what else the council can do.

What can LWE do, and what can they not do?

LWE’s agents follow the same law as every bailiff in England and Wales:

• Notice. At least 14 clear days before an agent can take control of goods, or 28 if a debt adviser asks for more time. Cases started before 1 May 2026 keep the old 7-day period.
• Fees. For cases started from 1 May 2026, fees are fixed by law at £79 for compliance, £247 plus 7.5% of the debt above £1,900 from the first visit and £116 plus the same percentage for sale, set out in full in our guide to what bailiffs can and cannot do. When we checked, the fee table on LWE’s website showed the scale for older cases.
• Entry. You usually do not have to let an agent in, and they cannot force entry to a home for council tax or business rates. They could take control of a car you own from outside.
• Controlled goods agreements. If you sign one and break it, an agent can use reasonable force to re-enter and remove the listed goods, after at least 2 clear days of written notice.

LWE says it has a welfare team for people who are vulnerable or worried about money. Tell it and the council about illness, disability or other difficulties, with evidence if you have it.

What should you do now?

1. Check the notice. Confirm the council, the tax years and the amount on the liability order.
2. Count the days until the notice period ends, leaving out Sundays and bank holidays.
3. Contact LWE and the council before an agent visits, with an offer you can keep up.
4. Check your council tax support and discounts with the council, as your bill may be too high.
5. Get free debt advice. An adviser can ask for the 28-day notice period; see where to get free debt advice and the debt solutions comparison.

How do you complain about LWE?

1. Complain to LWE in writing; its website publishes a complaints procedure.
2. Complain to the council. If you are unhappy with its response, go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
3. The ECB investigates complaints about accredited firms. Complain within 3 months of becoming aware of the problem, or within 1 month of the firm’s final response.
4. For serious misconduct by a certificated agent, you can complain to the court on form EAC2.

Our guide to dealing with debt collectors covers collection agencies such as LWE Collections.

Is the letter really from LWE?

Ask the council, using the number on its website or your bill, whether it has passed your case to London Warrant Enforcement. This page does not list LWE’s phone numbers or bank details. Ask any agent for identification and check the certificated enforcement agent register.