Moorcroft Debt Recovery has been collecting debts in the UK for 42 years, making them one of the country’s oldest debt collection agencies. They’re also a major government contractor, collecting tax arrears for HMRC. But here’s what matters most: Moorcroft are NOT bailiffs. Their “field operatives” who visit homes have no legal power to enter your property or take your belongings.
If you owe £5,000+ across multiple debts, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) can stop Moorcroft immediately and write off the remaining debt after 5-6 years.
Quick answers#
Can Moorcroft send bailiffs to my home? No. Moorcroft are debt collectors, not bailiffs. Their “field operatives” can knock on your door, but they have no legal power to enter your home, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle. Don’t be intimidated by doorstep visits.
Are Moorcroft legitimate? Yes. Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited (Company 01703704) has been FCA-authorised since 2016 (Reference 714738) and is a Credit Services Association member since 2004. They’ve operated for 42 years.
Can an IVA stop Moorcroft? Yes. All debts that Moorcroft collects are unsecured, which means they can be included in an IVA. Once your IVA is approved, Moorcroft must stop all contact and enforcement action.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Moorcroft Debt Recovery?
- Why is Moorcroft contacting me?
- Can Moorcroft send bailiffs to my home?
- Can Moorcroft take me to court?
- Does Moorcroft collect tax debts for HMRC?
- Will Moorcroft accept a settlement?
- How to stop Moorcroft with an IVA
- How to deal with Moorcroft calls
- How to complain about Moorcroft
- Moorcroft contact details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Moorcroft Debt Recovery?#
Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited (Company 01703704) was founded in 1983 and is one of the UK’s longest-established debt collection agencies. They’re fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Reference 714738) and have been members of the Credit Services Association since 2004 (Member No: 59).
Based in Stockport, Cheshire, Moorcroft employs over 460 office-based staff and remains family-owned after 42 years. They collect debts on behalf of banks, credit card companies, utility providers, and government departments including HMRC.
Why is Moorcroft contacting me?#
Moorcroft primarily operates as a debt collection agency, which means they collect debts on behalf of other companies. When your bank, credit card company, utility provider, or government department can’t recover a debt directly, they hire Moorcroft to collect it on their behalf.
This is why you might not recognise Moorcroft’s name:
You borrowed from Bank A. Bank A tried to contact you for 6 months. Bank A then hired Moorcroft to collect the debt. Moorcroft’s letter arrives, and you think “I don’t owe money to Moorcroft”—but you do owe money to Bank A, and Moorcroft is acting as their agent.
Who instructs Moorcroft:
- High street banks (credit cards, loans, overdrafts)
- Utility companies (gas, electricity, water)
- Telecoms providers (phone bills, broadband)
- HMRC (tax debts—see below)
- Local councils (council tax arrears)
Moorcroft also purchases some debt portfolios outright through their Moorcroft Investments subsidiary, meaning they own the debt and are collecting for themselves rather than an agent.
Check the original debt:
If you receive a Moorcroft letter, look for the “original creditor” section. This tells you who you originally owed money to. If you’ve never heard of that company either, or if you believe the debt is wrong, you have the right to dispute the debt and request proof.
Can Moorcroft send bailiffs to my home?#
No. Moorcroft are debt collectors, not bailiffs.
This is one of the most common sources of confusion and fear. Moorcroft has a network of “field operatives” who visit homes, but these are not bailiffs and have no legal powers.
What Moorcroft’s field operatives CAN do:
- Knock on your door
- Speak to you politely
- Hand you information about your debt
- Offer to discuss repayment options
- Show you ID (they must carry this)
What Moorcroft’s field operatives CANNOT do:
- Force entry to your home
- Enter without your permission
- Take your belongings
- Clamp your vehicle
- Threaten you
- Damage your property
- Refuse to leave when asked
Moorcroft’s field service is called a “reconnection service”—it’s designed to facilitate face-to-face dialogue when phone calls and letters have failed. But there is no legal enforcement power behind these visits.
If a Moorcroft field agent visits:
- You don’t have to let them in. Speak through a closed door if you prefer.
- Ask for ID. They should show a Moorcroft badge.
- Don’t sign anything unless you’ve had time to think and get advice.
- Don’t feel intimidated. They’re just collectors in branded clothing—they can’t take anything.
- If they’re aggressive or won’t leave, call the police. Aggressive behaviour breaches FCA rules.
Bottom line: A Moorcroft field agent at your door is not the same as a bailiff. You’re not at risk of goods being seized. Don’t panic.
Can Moorcroft take me to court?#
Yes—and this is where Moorcroft’s real power lies.
While Moorcroft can’t send bailiffs, they can take legal action against you if the debt remains unpaid. This is far more serious than doorstep visits.
The legal escalation process:
1. Pre-Action Protocol (30-day warning)
Before Moorcroft can issue a court claim, they must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. This requires them to send a formal “Letter of Claim” giving you 30 days to respond. The letter will include:
- Full details of the debt
- An up-to-date statement
- Information about free debt advice
2. County Court claim
If you don’t respond or arrange payment, Moorcroft will instruct solicitors (typically Moriarty Law or QDR Solicitors) to issue a County Court claim. You’ll receive court papers at your address.
3. County Court Judgment (CCJ)
If you don’t defend the claim, the court will enter a judgment against you. This is a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which:
- Stays on your credit file for 6 years
- Makes it nearly impossible to get credit, mortgages, or mobile phone contracts
- Allows Moorcroft to use enforcement methods
4. Enforcement after a CCJ
Once Moorcroft has a CCJ, they can apply for:
- Attachment of Earnings Order: Your employer deducts money from your wages and sends it to Moorcroft
- Charging Order: Moorcroft puts a legal charge on your property (if you’re a homeowner)
- Warrant of Control: The court issues a warrant allowing actual bailiffs (not Moorcroft staff) to seize goods
The strategy behind using solicitors:
Moorcroft uses specialist law firms like Moriarty Law and QDR Solicitors because a solicitor’s letterhead carries more weight than a debt collector’s letter. Many people who ignore Moorcroft’s standard letters will respond when they see “Solicitors” at the top of the page, often agreeing to a settlement before the court claim is even filed.
Don’t ignore court papers:
If you receive a “Claim Form” (form N1), you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees a CCJ. Even if you can’t afford to pay in full, you can:
- Admit the claim and offer affordable monthly payments
- Defend the claim if you dispute the debt
- Apply for the claim to be struck out if the Pre-Action Protocol wasn’t followed
Once a CCJ is entered, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to challenge. Act within the 14-day deadline.
Does Moorcroft collect tax debts for HMRC?#
Yes—Moorcroft is one of the major private agencies contracted by HM Revenue & Customs to collect tax arrears.
In the 2023/24 financial year, HMRC handed over approximately £9.3 billion in tax debt to private collection agencies like Moorcroft. The Spring Statement 2025 announced additional funding to increase the use of external agencies, with the goal of recovering an extra £600 million by 2029/30.
What tax debts does Moorcroft collect?
- Self-Assessment tax (unpaid personal tax returns)
- VAT arrears (for businesses)
- PAYE arrears (unpaid employer tax)
- Corporation Tax (company tax debts)
- National Insurance contributions
Why this matters:
If you receive a Moorcroft letter about a tax debt, it’s because HMRC has transferred your case to them. This doesn’t mean the debt is wrong or that HMRC has “sold” your debt—Moorcroft is acting as HMRC’s collection agent.
Can tax debts go into an IVA?
Yes—but with conditions. HMRC debts can be included in an IVA, but:
- Recent tax debts (from the current or previous tax year) may be excluded
- HMRC votes on IVA proposals and can reject them if they think you can pay more
- HMRC often demands higher monthly payments than other creditors
If Moorcroft is collecting HMRC debt, an IVA can still stop them from contacting you and write off a significant portion of the debt after 5-6 years.
Will Moorcroft accept a settlement?#
Yes—and here’s the intelligence that gives you negotiating leverage.
Moorcroft, like most debt collectors, would rather receive a lump sum settlement than wait years for an IVA dividend. Industry knowledge suggests Moorcroft typically accepts full and final settlements of 40-65% of the debt value.
Why do they accept discounts?
Moorcroft operates on two models:
- Agency collections: They work on commission (typically 10-20%). If they recover 50% of £1,000, the creditor gets £500 and Moorcroft gets £50-£100. A guaranteed £50 today is better than chasing £100 over 12 months.
- Purchased debt: They buy portfolios at a discount (often 5-15p per £1 of debt). If they paid £50 to buy a £1,000 debt, accepting a £400 settlement means they’ve made £350 profit.
Settlement vs IVA from Moorcroft’s perspective:
| Option | Moorcroft Receives | Timeline | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full & Final Settlement (50%) | 50% of debt | Immediate | None (cash in hand) |
| Standard Payment Plan (100%) | 100% of debt | 12-24 months | High (many default) |
| IVA Dividend (25%) | 20-30% of debt | 60 months | Medium (IVA can fail) |
Moorcroft prefers a 50-65% lump sum settlement over a 25% IVA dividend because:
- Cash today is worth more than cash in 5 years (time value of money)
- IVAs can fail if the debtor’s circumstances change
- They don’t have to wait or monitor the IVA
How to negotiate a settlement:
- Don’t offer first. Let Moorcroft tell you what they want.
- Start lower. If they want 60%, offer 35-40%.
- Explain your circumstances. “I’ve been offered help from family, but they can only lend £X.”
- Get it in writing. Never pay until you have written confirmation that the settlement clears the debt in full.
- Pay directly from a separate account or via a third party so you have clear evidence of payment.
Moorcroft’s voting power in IVAs:
If you propose an IVA and Moorcroft holds a significant portion of your debt, they act as a “Kingmaker”—75% of creditors (by debt value) must approve the IVA. If Moorcroft holds 30% of your debt and votes no, the IVA will likely fail. This is why your Insolvency Practitioner may negotiate with Moorcroft before the IVA creditors’ meeting to secure their vote.
How to stop Moorcroft with an IVA#
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement between you and all your creditors (including Moorcroft) to repay what you can afford over 5-6 years. At the end, any remaining debt is written off—typically 60-90%.
Why an IVA stops Moorcroft:
Once your IVA is approved by the court and accepted by 75% of your creditors (by debt value), all creditors—including Moorcroft—must:
- Stop contacting you
- Stop legal action
- Freeze interest and charges
- Accept the monthly payment your Insolvency Practitioner distributes
Moorcroft cannot refuse to comply with an approved IVA. It’s a legal order.
What debts can Moorcroft’s clients include in an IVA?
All of the debts Moorcroft collects are unsecured, which means they’re includable in an IVA:
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Overdrafts
- Utility arrears
- Payday loans
- Catalogue debts
- Council tax arrears
- HMRC tax debts (with conditions—see above)
To qualify for an IVA, you typically need:
- £5,000+ in unsecured debt
- Two or more creditors
- A regular income (employed or self-employed)
- Spare income after essential bills (usually £80-100/month minimum)
Check if you qualify for an IVA
Breathing Space—60-day protection:
If you’re not ready to commit to an IVA, you can apply for Breathing Space—a government scheme that gives you 60 days of legal protection from creditor action.
During Breathing Space:
- Moorcroft cannot contact you
- Interest and charges freeze
- Legal action pauses
- You get time to explore debt solutions
Apply through a debt advice charity like StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline. Once approved, your debt advisor notifies Moorcroft, and they must stop all action within one working day.
How to deal with Moorcroft calls#
Moorcroft’s call centre operates 7:15am to 9:00pm on weekdays. Agents typically make 40-50 calls per day, working from a centralized hub in Stockport.
You have rights:
Request written communication only. You can tell Moorcroft (verbally or in writing) that you only want to be contacted by post. They must comply. This stops the calls.
Don’t admit the debt until you’ve verified it. If you don’t recognise the debt, say: “I need to see proof of this debt in writing before I can discuss it.”
Don’t make a payment just to make them go away. Paying even £1 can restart the statute-barred clock if the debt is over 6 years old and you haven’t acknowledged it.
Use Moorcroft’s online portal. The “Secure Portal” requires your reference number, date of birth, and postcode. You can check your balance, see payment history, and make offers without speaking to an agent.
If you’re vulnerable, tell them. If you have mental health problems, serious illness, disability, or are in crisis, declare this. Moorcroft must follow FCA “Consumer Duty” rules and refer vulnerable customers back to the original creditor for review. Get evidence (doctor’s letter, PIP award) and send it by email and post.
What if they’re calling outside permitted hours?
Debt collectors can only call between 8am and 9pm (some start at 7:15am but this is a grey area). If Moorcroft calls you at 7am or 10pm, this breaches FCA rules. Complain immediately—it’s a serious compliance breach.
What if they’re aggressive or threatening?
FCA-authorised firms like Moorcroft are prohibited from:
- Threatening imprisonment (you can’t go to prison for civil debt)
- Claiming to be bailiffs or having bailiff powers
- Claiming they’ll “take your home” (they can’t, unless they get a Charging Order and you sell)
- Refusing to stop calling after you’ve requested written contact only
- Ignoring evidence of vulnerability
If Moorcroft breaks these rules, complain to the FCA (see below).
How to complain about Moorcroft#
If Moorcroft has acted inappropriately, follow this process:
1. Complain to Moorcroft directly
Write to: Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited Moorcroft House Zenith Stockport Cheshire SK3 0XW
Email: complaints@moorcroft.co.uk (if available—check their website)
Include:
- Your reference number
- Dates of the issue
- What happened
- What you want (apology, fees removed, stop contact, etc.)
Moorcroft has 8 weeks to respond.
2. Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If Moorcroft doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied, escalate to the FOS:
- Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
The FOS is free and independent. They can order Moorcroft to:
- Apologise
- Remove incorrect information from your credit file
- Pay compensation (up to £400 for distress and inconvenience in debt cases)
3. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If Moorcroft has breached FCA rules (aggressive behaviour, claiming to be bailiffs, ignoring vulnerability), report them:
- Website: www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-firm
- Phone: 0800 111 6768
The FCA won’t resolve your individual complaint, but they can investigate Moorcroft and impose fines or suspend their authorisation if they find systemic problems.
Moorcroft contact details#
Registered office: Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited Moorcroft House Zenith Stockport Cheshire SK3 0XW
Company number: 01703704 FCA reference: 714738 Parent company: Moorcroft Group PLC (Company 01704109)
Regulatory status:
- FCA Authorised since 10 May 2016
- Credit Services Association Member since 2004 (No: 59)
- ICO Registered
Customer hours: Weekdays 7:15am - 9:00pm
Online portal: Check Moorcroft’s website for the secure login (requires reference number, date of birth, postcode)
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our free IVA calculator to see how much you could write off.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can Moorcroft send bailiffs to my home?#
No. Moorcroft are debt collectors, not bailiffs. They have “field operatives” who visit homes, but these staff have no legal power to enter your property, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle. Don’t be intimidated by doorstep visits—they’re just collectors.
Is Moorcroft Debt Recovery legitimate?#
Yes. Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited (Company 01703704) is fully authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference 714738) and has operated since 1983. They’re one of the UK’s oldest and most established debt collection agencies.
Why is Moorcroft contacting me about a [bank] debt?#
Moorcroft collects debts on behalf of other companies. If you had a debt with a bank, credit card company, or utility provider, they hired Moorcroft to collect it. Moorcroft isn’t the original creditor—they’re the collection agent.
Will Moorcroft take me to court?#
Yes, they can. If you don’t pay or arrange a plan, Moorcroft will instruct solicitors (Moriarty Law or QDR Solicitors) to issue a County Court claim. If you ignore the claim, you’ll get a CCJ which damages your credit file for 6 years and allows enforcement action.
Can I stop Moorcroft with an IVA?#
Yes. An IVA stops all debt collection activity, including Moorcroft. Once approved, they must cease contact and accept the monthly payments your Insolvency Practitioner distributes. After 5-6 years, remaining debt is written off. Check if you qualify for an IVA
Will Moorcroft accept a settlement?#
Yes. Moorcroft typically accepts full and final settlements of 40-65% of the debt value. They prefer lump sum settlements over IVAs because cash today is worth more than years of small payments. Always negotiate and get agreements in writing before paying.
Does Moorcroft collect for HMRC?#
Yes. Moorcroft is a major HMRC contractor, collecting VAT arrears, Self-Assessment tax, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and National Insurance debts. In 2023/24, HMRC handed £9.3 billion in tax debt to private agencies. HMRC debts can usually be included in an IVA.
What is Moorcroft’s FCA number?#
Moorcroft Debt Recovery Limited’s FCA reference number is 714738. They’ve been fully authorised since 10 May 2016. You can verify this on the FCA Register at www.fca.org.uk/register.
How do I complain about Moorcroft?#
Complain to Moorcroft first (complaints to Moorcroft House, Stockport SK3 0XW). If not resolved within 8 weeks, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (0800 023 4567, www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk). Report FCA rule breaches directly to the FCA (0800 111 6768).
Are Moorcroft field agents bailiffs?#
No. Moorcroft’s field operatives are NOT bailiffs and have no legal enforcement powers. They can knock on your door and speak to you, but they cannot enter your home, take your belongings, or clamp your vehicle. They’re debt collectors, not enforcement agents.
If you’re dealing with Moorcroft and have £5,000+ in debt across multiple creditors, an IVA could stop them immediately and write off up to 90% of your debt. It takes 60 seconds to check if you qualify.