JTR Collections is the primary enforcement agency for councils across Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. They recover £13.1 million annually from council tax and parking debts with a 27.2% collection rate and just a 2.07% complaint rate.
Quick answers#
Can JTR Collections force entry to my home? No—not for council tax or parking fines. They need peaceful entry (an unlocked door or invitation). Exception: if you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement and breached it, they can return with a locksmith.
Are JTR Collections legitimate? Yes. Company 03764547, incorporated May 1999. CIVEA member. Work for Brentwood, Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring, Uttlesford, Basildon, Castle Point, Norwich, South Norfolk.
Can an IVA stop JTR? Yes. Once your IVA is approved, JTR must stop all enforcement. The debt is managed by your Insolvency Practitioner.
Table of Contents#
- Who are JTR Collections?
- Can JTR Collections force entry to your home?
- JTR fees explained
- What can JTR take from your home?
- How to stop JTR Collections
- How to complain about JTR
- Contact JTR Collections
- FAQs
Who are JTR Collections?#
JTR Collections Ltd (Company 03764547) was incorporated May 18, 1999. Operations based in Colchester, Essex.
Current councils using JTR: Essex: Brentwood, Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring, Uttlesford, Basildon, Castle Point. Norfolk: Norwich City Council, South Norfolk. Also work for some Suffolk councils.
Directors: John Patrick Lane, Tracey Diane Lane, Richard Philip Lane
The numbers (2023/24):
- £13.1 million recovered
- 27.2% collection rate
- 2.07% complaint rate
- Majority of debtors on payment plans (not immediate seizures)
Regulatory status:
- CIVEA member
- Certificated by County Courts
- Works exclusively for public sector clients
Can JTR Collections force entry to your home?#
No—not for council tax or parking fines on a first visit.
JTR follow the same rules as other enforcement agents. They need peaceful entry, which means you must let them in or leave a door unlocked.
What they CANNOT do:
- Break locks
- Smash windows
- Push past you
- Enter between 9pm and 6am
The exception: If you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement If you previously let an agent in and signed a CGA, and you’ve breached the payment terms, JTR can return with a locksmith and force entry.
JTR’s approach: Their 27.2% collection rate suggests they prioritize payment plans over seizures. Most cases resolve through negotiation rather than forced removal. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t escalate if you ignore them.
What you should do:
- Keep all doors and windows locked
- Speak through a closed door or window
- Do not invite them in
- Do not sign a Controlled Goods Agreement without independent advice
JTR fees explained#
JTR charges statutory fees set by the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013.
| Stage | When Applied | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Stage | Notice sent | £75 |
| Enforcement Stage | First agent visit | £235 + 7.5% over £1,500 |
| Sale Stage | Goods removed | £110 + 7.5% over £1,500 |
The 7-day compliance window: The £75 fee is added when the Notice of Enforcement is sent. You have 7 clear days to act. If you contact JTR during this window with a realistic payment proposal, you can avoid the £235+ enforcement fee.
Example:
- Day 0: £800 council tax debt
- Day 1: Notice sent, £75 compliance fee added (now £875)
- Day 8: Agent visits, £235 enforcement fee added (now £1,110)
What can JTR take from your home?#
What they CAN take:
- Vehicles (primary target)
- TVs and audio equipment
- Gaming consoles
- Laptops and tablets (unless essential for work)
- Jewellery
- Cash
What they CANNOT take:
- Essential household items (beds, table, chairs, one fridge, one cooker)
- Clothing
- Tools of the trade worth less than £1,350
- Items belonging to other people (need proof)
- Items on hire purchase or lease (provide evidence)
- Pets
Vehicle seizures: JTR operates across Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Your car is safe in a locked garage. It’s NOT safe on the street, driveway, or shared parking areas.
How to stop JTR Collections#
1. Pay during Compliance Stage If you can pay the debt + £75 within 7 days, do it. Get written confirmation enforcement has stopped.
2. Apply for Breathing Space 60-day legal freeze on enforcement. JTR must stop all activity. Apply through a debt advisor. Learn about Breathing Space
3. Enter an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) Once approved, JTR must stop all action. You make one affordable monthly payment. After 5-6 years, remaining debt is written off. Qualify with £5,000+ debt across multiple creditors. Check if you qualify
4. Negotiate a payment plan during Compliance Stage JTR’s statistics show they prefer payment plans over seizures. Email them within 7 days with a detailed budget showing income and expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford.
5. Contact the council directly Bypass JTR and write to your council’s Head of Revenues if you’re vulnerable. Include medical evidence. The council controls JTR.
6. Challenge the Notice of Enforcement If the Notice wasn’t properly served, you can challenge the fees. Apply to the court that issued the Liability Order. Get advice from Citizens Advice.
How to complain about JTR#
Step 1: Complain to JTR directly Address: Colchester office. Include date, time, agent’s name, what happened, which regulations were breached, what you want (fees removed, apology, etc.).
JTR’s 2.07% complaint rate suggests they handle most issues internally. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t complain if an agent has acted improperly.
Step 2: Complain to your council JTR is the tool. The council is the client. Write to your council’s Head of Revenues and your local councillor.
What to include:
- Date and time of incident
- Agent’s name
- Exactly what happened
- Which regulations were breached
- What you want (fees removed, case recalled, apology)
Step 3: CIVEA complaints process JTR is a CIVEA member. Visit civea.co.uk for the complaints form.
Step 4: Local Government Ombudsman If the council doesn’t respond within 8 weeks, escalate to lgo.org.uk.
Contact JTR Collections#
Registered Office: JTR Collections Ltd [Colchester address—check letterhead]
Company Registration: 03764547 Directors: John Patrick Lane, Tracey Diane Lane, Richard Philip Lane Authorised by: County Courts CIVEA Membership: Yes
FAQs#
Who are JTR Collections?#
JTR Collections Ltd (Company 03764547) was incorporated May 1999. Based in Colchester, Essex. They work for 12+ councils across Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. CIVEA member. Recovered £13.1 million in 2023/24 with a 27.2% collection rate and 2.07% complaint rate.
Can JTR bailiffs force entry for council tax?#
No. For council tax, JTR cannot force entry on a first visit. They need peaceful entry. Exception: if you’ve signed a Controlled Goods Agreement and defaulted, they can return with a locksmith.
Which councils use JTR Collections?#
Essex councils: Brentwood, Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Tendring, Uttlesford, Basildon, Castle Point. Norfolk: Norwich City Council, South Norfolk. Some Suffolk councils.
Can JTR clamp my car on my driveway?#
Yes. JTR can clamp or remove vehicles parked on public roads or your driveway. Your car is only safe in a locked garage. If it’s on finance or lease, prove this with documents immediately.
How quickly does an IVA stop JTR?#
Immediately. Once you enter an IVA, JTR must cease all action by law. Your insolvency practitioner notifies them, and they cannot visit, call, or add further fees.
Check if you qualify for an IVA in 60 seconds
Can I set up a payment plan with JTR?#
Yes. JTR’s statistics show they prioritize payment plans over seizures. Contact them during the Compliance Stage (the first 7 days) with a detailed budget. Be realistic about what you can afford. Most cases resolve through negotiation.
What is JTR’s complaint rate?#
2.07% of cases result in complaints. This is relatively low compared to industry averages. However, if an agent has acted improperly, you should still complain through JTR, your council, CIVEA, or the Ombudsman.
Does JTR work for Norwich City Council?#
Yes. JTR Collections works for Norwich City Council and South Norfolk Council, in addition to their primary Essex client base.
JTR Collections operates across Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk with a 27.2% recovery rate. But you still have rights and options. An IVA can stop JTR immediately, freeze all fees, and give you a path to becoming debt-free in 5-6 years.