Form N227: Request to Issue Writ of Control — High Court Enforcement (2026 Guide)
Form N227 is the request to transfer a county court judgment to the High Court for enforcement by a High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO). If you have obtained a county court judgment for £600 or more and the defendant has not paid, transferring the judgment up to the High Court gives you access to a more powerful enforcement mechanism — a writ of control executed by an HCEO rather than a county court warrant executed by a county court bailiff. HCEOs have broader powers, faster turnaround times, and higher recovery rates. This guide explains when and how to use Form N227, the costs involved, the legal requirements, and the practical steps from filing the form to recovering your money.
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When Do You Need Form N227?
You need Form N227 when all of the following apply:
- You have a county court judgment for a specified amount of money — the judgment must order the defendant to pay a specific sum. Judgments requiring the defendant to do something (such as deliver goods or vacate premises) are enforced differently.
- The judgment amount is £600 or more — this is the statutory minimum for transfer to the High Court. Under section 42(2) of the County Courts Act 1984 and the High Court and County Courts Jurisdiction Order 1991, a county court judgment for less than £600 cannot be transferred to the High Court for enforcement by writ of control.
- The defendant has not paid — either the judgment required immediate payment and the defendant has not paid, or the defendant was ordered to pay by instalments and has missed one or more payments.
- You want to enforce by taking control of the defendant’s goods — a writ of control authorises the HCEO to attend the defendant’s address, identify goods owned by the defendant, and (if necessary) remove and sell those goods to satisfy the judgment. If you want to enforce by a different method — such as a third-party debt order, attachment of earnings, or charging order — you do not need Form N227.
There are some judgments that cannot be transferred to the High Court. Under section 42(2) of the County Courts Act 1984, you cannot transfer up:
- Judgments for less than £600.
- Judgments made in proceedings under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (regulated agreements).
- Certain other restricted categories specified by statute.
If your judgment falls into one of these categories, you must enforce in the county court using a warrant of control (Form N323).
What Form N227 Involves
Form N227 is a request to the county court to transfer the judgment to the High Court and to issue a writ of control. The process involves:
- Filing Form N227 at the county court — the court where the judgment was made.
- The county court transfers the judgment — the court sends the file to the High Court.
- The High Court issues the writ of control — this is the formal authorisation for an HCEO to enforce the judgment.
- You instruct an HCEO — you choose an HCEO (or their firm) to execute the writ. The HCEO attends the defendant’s address and enforces the judgment.
The entire process from filing Form N227 to instructing an HCEO can take as little as a few days if done efficiently.
Why Transfer to the High Court?
You might ask why you would bother transferring to the High Court when you could simply apply for a county court warrant of control (Form N323). The answer lies in the practical differences between county court bailiffs and High Court Enforcement Officers:
- Speed — county court bailiff appointments can take weeks or months due to backlogs. HCEOs operate on a commercial basis and are typically much faster — often attending the defendant’s address within days.
- Powers — HCEOs can enforce writs of control using the powers in the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013. While county court bailiffs have the same legal powers in principle, HCEOs tend to exercise them more assertively and efficiently.
- Recovery rates — HCEOs have significantly higher recovery rates than county court bailiffs. This is partly because of speed and partly because the arrival of an HCEO at a debtor’s premises tends to concentrate the debtor’s mind on payment.
- Costs — the HCEO’s fees are added to the debt and recovered from the defendant, so the enforcement costs you nothing if the HCEO succeeds in collecting. The fee structure is set by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014.
- No upfront court fee for the writ — the court fee for issuing a writ of control is currently £71 (as of 2026). This is added to the judgment debt and recovered from the defendant.
The main disadvantage is that if the HCEO cannot recover anything (because the defendant has no seizable goods), you will have paid the court fee without result. However, the same risk applies to a county court warrant.
How to Complete Form N227: Step by Step
1. Case Details
Enter the claim number, the name of the county court where the judgment was entered, and the full names and addresses of the claimant (judgment creditor) and the defendant (judgment debtor).
2. Judgment Details
State the date of the judgment, the amount of the judgment, and whether the judgment was for payment in full immediately or by instalments.
If the judgment was for payment by instalments, state:
- The instalment amount and frequency.
- The total amount now outstanding (original judgment amount minus any payments received).
- The date of the last missed instalment.
You can only enforce by writ of control if the defendant has defaulted on an instalment. If the defendant is up to date with instalments, you cannot enforce.
3. Amount to Be Enforced
Calculate the total amount to be enforced. This is:
- The outstanding judgment amount — the original judgment sum minus any payments received.
- Plus interest on the judgment debt — for county court judgments exceeding £5,000, interest accrues at 8% per annum under section 74 of the County Courts Act 1984. For smaller judgments, interest does not normally accrue in the county court (though it does once transferred to the High Court).
- Plus the court fee for issuing the writ — currently £71 (2026). This is added to the enforcement amount.
- Plus any fixed costs — under CPR r.45.8, fixed costs of £2.25 are recoverable for the issue of the writ.
State the total clearly so the court can verify the arithmetic.
4. Defendant’s Address for Enforcement
Provide the address where the HCEO should attend. This is usually the defendant’s home address (for an individual) or business premises (for a company or sole trader). If you know the defendant has moved, provide the most current address you have.
If you are unsure of the defendant’s current address, you may need to carry out tracing enquiries before filing Form N227. An HCEO firm can often assist with this.
5. Confirmation That the Judgment Is Enforceable
Confirm that:
- The judgment has not been satisfied (paid in full).
- The judgment has not been set aside.
- No stay of execution is in force.
- If the judgment was for payment by instalments, the defendant has defaulted.
If any of these conditions is not met, the court will refuse to issue the writ.
6. Statement of Truth
Sign and date the form. The statement of truth confirms that the information is accurate and that the conditions for enforcement are met.
Key Deadlines
| Event | Deadline | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment must be for £600 or more | Statutory minimum for High Court transfer | s.42(2) County Courts Act 1984 |
| Court fee for writ of control | £71 (2026) — payable on filing | Civil Proceedings Fees Order |
| Writ validity | 12 months from issue (can be renewed) | CPR r.83.2 |
| HCEO must give notice before taking goods | Minimum 7 days’ notice (enforcement notice) | Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, reg.6 |
| No limitation on when to apply | But judgment must still be enforceable | — |
The writ of control is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If the HCEO has not completed enforcement within that period, you can apply to renew the writ. There is no limit on the number of renewals, but the court may require an explanation if the writ has been outstanding for a long time without resolution.
What Happens After You File Form N227
Step 1: The Court Processes the Transfer
The county court transfers the judgment to the High Court. This typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the court’s workload.
Step 2: The Writ of Control Is Issued
The High Court issues the writ of control — a sealed document authorising enforcement. You receive a copy.
Step 3: You Instruct an HCEO
You choose an HCEO (or an HCEO firm) and send them the writ. You can find authorised HCEOs through the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA). You do not need to use a specific HCEO — you can choose any authorised officer.
When you instruct the HCEO, provide:
- A copy of the writ of control.
- The defendant’s address (and any alternative addresses you know of).
- The amount outstanding.
- Any information about the defendant’s assets or circumstances that may help the HCEO.
Step 4: The HCEO Sends an Enforcement Notice
Under regulation 6 of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, the HCEO must give the defendant a minimum of seven clear days’ notice before attending to take control of goods. This notice — called a compliance stage notice — gives the defendant a final opportunity to pay.
Many debtors pay at this stage. The HCEO’s letter, which identifies them as a High Court Enforcement Officer and refers to the writ of control, is a powerful motivator.
Step 5: The HCEO Attends the Address
If the defendant does not pay after receiving the enforcement notice, the HCEO attends the address. The HCEO can:
- Enter the premises (using reasonable force to enter commercial premises, though not a dwelling on the first visit — see the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013, regulation 20).
- Identify and list goods belonging to the defendant.
- Enter into a controlled goods agreement — the defendant agrees to pay, and the goods remain on the premises as security.
- Remove goods for sale — if the defendant does not pay or breaches a controlled goods agreement, the HCEO can remove goods and sell them at auction.
Step 6: Recovery and Payment
If the HCEO recovers the debt (either through payment after the enforcement notice or through sale of goods), the HCEO deducts their fees and pays the balance to you.
If the HCEO cannot recover anything — because the defendant has no goods of sufficient value, has absconded, or the premises are empty — the HCEO will return the writ marked as nulla bona (no goods). You are then left with the judgment debt unsatisfied but can explore other enforcement methods.
HCEO Fees
The HCEO’s fees are set by the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 and are added to the debt — the defendant pays them, not you (assuming recovery is successful):
| Stage | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Compliance stage (enforcement notice) | £75 plus 7.5% of the amount over £1,000 |
| Enforcement stage (attendance at premises) | £235 plus 7.5% of the amount over £1,000 |
| Sale stage (removal and sale of goods) | £110 plus 7.5% of the amount over £1,000 |
For example, if the judgment debt is £3,000:
- Compliance stage: £75 + 7.5% of £2,000 = £75 + £150 = £225
- Enforcement stage: £235 + 7.5% of £2,000 = £235 + £150 = £385
- Sale stage: £110 + 7.5% of £2,000 = £110 + £150 = £260
These fees are recoverable from the defendant. If the HCEO collects the full amount at the compliance stage (after the notice letter), only the compliance fee applies. If the HCEO has to attend the premises, the enforcement fee is also added. The sale fee only applies if goods are removed and sold.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to transfer a judgment under £600 — the statutory minimum is £600. If your judgment is for less than this, you must enforce in the county court using a warrant of control (Form N323). There is no exception to this rule.
- Forgetting to check whether a stay of execution is in force — if the court has stayed enforcement (for example, pending an appeal or a set-aside application), you cannot issue a writ of control. Filing Form N227 while a stay is in force wastes time and the court fee.
- Providing an incorrect address — the HCEO attends the address you provide. If it is wrong, the HCEO will not find the defendant and you will have wasted a stage of fees. Verify the defendant’s address before filing.
- Not deducting payments already received — if the defendant has made partial payments, the enforcement amount must reflect the balance, not the original judgment sum. Overstating the amount is a serious error.
- Letting the writ expire — the writ is valid for 12 months. If the HCEO has not completed enforcement and you do not renew the writ, it lapses. Keep track of the expiry date and apply to renew in good time.
- Choosing the wrong HCEO — not all HCEO firms are the same. Check reviews, recovery rates, and communication standards before instructing one. A poor HCEO can delay recovery and cause unnecessary problems.
- Assuming the HCEO will always recover the debt — if the defendant genuinely has no assets, no enforcement method will recover the money. Before spending the court fee, consider whether the defendant is likely to have seizable goods. If they are on benefits, in rented accommodation with minimal possessions, enforcement by writ of control may not be cost-effective.
- Not considering alternative enforcement methods — a writ of control is only one option. If the defendant has a bank account with funds, a third-party debt order may be more effective. If the defendant is employed, an attachment of earnings order deducts money from their wages. If the defendant owns property, a charging order secures the debt against the property. Consider which method is most likely to succeed before committing to a writ.
The Rules That Apply
Form N227 and High Court enforcement operate under:
- CPR Part 83 — writs and warrants, including the procedure for issuing a writ of control. Rule 83.2 covers the form and content of writs.
- Section 42, County Courts Act 1984 — the power to transfer county court judgments to the High Court for enforcement, including the £600 minimum.
- High Court and County Courts Jurisdiction Order 1991 — further provisions on transfer between courts.
- Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, Part 3 (Schedule 12) — the legal framework for taking control of goods, replacing the old law of distress.
- Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 — detailed regulations governing how enforcement agents (including HCEOs) take control of goods, including notice requirements, entry powers, and exempt goods.
- Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 — the fee structure for HCEOs.
- CPR r.45.8 — fixed enforcement costs.
The court fee for issuing a writ of control is currently £71 (2026). This is added to the enforcement amount and recovered from the defendant. Contact hello@elitigant.com for guidance on eligibility.
Related Court Forms & Guides
- Form N260: Statement of Costs — the costs schedule used at summary assessment.
- Form N244: Application Notice — the form for interim applications.
- Start a Money Claim Online (OCMC) — where most civil money claims begin.
- Particulars of Claim — setting out the basis of your claim.
- Civil Court Forms Index — every civil court form guide in one place.
How Chris Can Help
Enforcement is where many self-represented litigants lose momentum. You have a judgment — but turning that judgment into money in your bank account requires a further set of procedural steps, each with its own rules and deadlines.
Chris helps you navigate the enforcement process efficiently:
- Checks whether your judgment qualifies for High Court transfer (£600 minimum, no excluded categories).
- Calculates the total enforcement amount accurately, including interest and costs.
- Drafts your Form N227 ready for filing, with all case details verified.
- Advises on whether a writ of control is the best enforcement method for your situation, or whether an alternative method (third-party debt order, attachment of earnings, charging order) would be more effective.
- Provides guidance on instructing an HCEO, including what information to provide and what to expect at each stage.
You have the judgment. Chris helps you collect the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I transfer a judgment to the High Court if it was for less than £600?
A: No. The statutory minimum for transfer to the High Court under section 42(2) of the County Courts Act 1984 is £600. If your judgment is below this threshold, you must enforce in the county court using a warrant of control (Form N323), which is executed by a county court bailiff.
Q: Do I have to pay the HCEO upfront?
A: This depends on the HCEO firm. Some firms operate on a no-recovery, no-fee basis — they only charge you the court fee (£71) upfront and recover their fees from the defendant if enforcement succeeds. Others may charge additional fees. Clarify the fee arrangement before instructing an HCEO.
Q: What if the defendant has no goods to seize?
A: If the HCEO attends and finds no goods of sufficient value (or the premises are empty), the writ is returned nulla bona — meaning no goods were found. You still have the judgment, and you can pursue other enforcement methods such as a third-party debt order, attachment of earnings, or charging order. The judgment debt remains until it is paid or the limitation period for enforcement (six years) expires.
Q: Can the defendant stop the HCEO from entering their home?
A: On the first visit to a dwelling, the HCEO cannot use force to enter — they can only enter through an open door or with the debtor’s permission. However, if the HCEO has already entered and taken control of goods (by entering a controlled goods agreement), and the debtor subsequently breaches that agreement, the HCEO can re-enter using reasonable force. For commercial premises, the HCEO can use reasonable force to enter from the first visit.
Q: How long does the whole process take?
A: From filing Form N227 to the HCEO attending the defendant’s address, the process typically takes two to four weeks. If the defendant pays after receiving the enforcement notice (the compliance stage), the money can reach you within a few weeks of filing. If goods need to be removed and sold, the process takes longer — typically several weeks to a few months for the sale and distribution of proceeds.
Q: Can I use a writ of control for a judgment that orders instalments?
A: Yes, but only if the defendant has defaulted on an instalment. You cannot enforce the entire judgment while the defendant is up to date with payments. When you file Form N227, you must confirm that the defendant has missed at least one instalment.