Rossendales Ltd traces its roots back to 19th century court bailiffs in Lancashire’s Forest of Rossendale. But since March 2013, it’s been part of Marston Holdings—the UK’s largest enforcement company.
In 2025, Marston Holdings was caught overcharging thousands of debtors by failing to link concurrent debts as required by law. Transport for London suspended their contract, and the Enforcement Conduct Board imposed a Supervised Action Plan. The company faces an estimated £8 million refund liability.
If you’ve received a Rossendales letter, you’re dealing with Marston Holdings—the same company at the center of this scandal.
Quick answers#
Can Rossendales force entry to my home? No. For council tax or parking fines, Rossendales agents cannot force entry on first visit. They need “peaceful entry”—an unlocked door or invitation. Keep your doors locked.
Are they legitimate? Yes. Company number 01587401. Part of Marston Holdings since March 2013. ECB accredited. The Rossendales brand was officially retired for Legal Aid work in July 2019.
Can an IVA stop them? Yes. Council tax arrears, parking fines, and unsecured debts can be included in an Individual Voluntary Arrangement. Once approved, Rossendales must stop all enforcement.
Table of Contents#
- Who are Rossendales?
- The Marston Holdings connection
- The 2025 Marston scandal
- What debts do Rossendales collect?
- Rossendales fees explained
- Can Rossendales force entry?
- What Rossendales cannot take
- How to deal with Rossendales
- How to stop Rossendales
- How to complain about Rossendales
- Contact details
- FAQs
Who are Rossendales?#
Rossendales Ltd is an enforcement agency operating as a brand within Marston Holdings.
Company details:
- Company number: 01587401
- Founded: 1982 (registered)
- Owned by: Marston Holdings (since March 2013)
- ECB accredited
- Historic roots: 19th century court bailiffs in Lancashire
The Rossendales name was officially retired for Legal Aid Agency work in July 2019 and replaced with Marston branding.
The Marston Holdings connection#
In March 2013, Marston Holdings acquired Rossendales. Marston is the UK’s largest enforcement company, backed by:
- Rothschild & Co (investment banking)
- Lloyds Bank
- Inflexion Private Equity
Marston Holdings valuation: £700 million
When you receive a Rossendales letter, you’re dealing with the resources, technology, and practices of Marston Holdings—a company that handles over 8 million enforcement actions annually.
The 2025 Marston scandal#
In 2025, Marston Holdings (including Rossendales) was caught systematically overcharging debtors.
The violation: Marston’s systems failed to “link” multiple concurrent debts, charging multiple £235 enforcement fees when only one was legal under Regulation 11 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014.
Example:
- 3 parking warrants for same person
- Legal fee: ONE £235 enforcement fee (Regulation 11)
- What Marston charged: THREE £235 fees (£705 total)—illegal
Consequences:
- ~£8 million refund liability
- Refunds issued with 8% interest
- Transport for London suspended their contract
- ECB imposed unprecedented Supervised Action Plan
- 3-year dedicated helpline required
What this means for you: If you’ve been dealing with Rossendales (Marston) and have multiple debts, request a full fee breakdown. Check if multiple £235 enforcement fees have been charged. If so, you may be entitled to a refund.
What debts do Rossendales collect?#
Rossendales (Marston) enforces:
Council tax arrears – After the council obtains a Liability Order from magistrates’ court.
Business rates (NNDR) – Non-Domestic Rates recovery for commercial properties.
Parking Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) – Recovery of parking fines issued by councils.
Traffic contraventions – Bus lane fines, box junction penalties, moving traffic violations.
Magistrates’ Court fines – Criminal fines where the court issues a warrant.
Rossendales does not conduct High Court enforcement.
Rossendales fees explained#
Rossendales charges statutory fees set by law:
| Stage | Fee | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance | £75 | Notice of Enforcement sent. You have 7 clear days to pay. |
| Enforcement | £235 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 | Agent makes first visit to your property. |
| Sale | £110 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 | Goods removed and sold at auction. |
The fee formula:
For debts over £1,500: Total fees = £75 + £235 + 7.5% × (Debt - £1,500)
Example (£2,000 debt):
- Compliance Stage: £2,000 + £75 = £2,075
- After agent visits: £2,075 + £235 + £37.50 (7.5% of £500) = £2,347.50
How to avoid the £235 fee: Pay during the Compliance Stage—the 7 clear days after the Notice of Enforcement is posted.
Can Rossendales force entry?#
No. For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, Rossendales agents cannot force entry on first visit.
They can only enter your property in two ways:
- Through an open door – If your door is open, they can step inside
- If you invite them in – If you voluntarily let them enter
Once an agent has gained peaceful entry on a previous occasion, they may be able to re-enter through an unlocked door or window on subsequent visits. Never let them in the first time.
Legal hours: Rossendales agents can only visit between 6am and 9pm.
Who can be present: Agents cannot enter if the only person present is:
- A child (under 16)
- A vulnerable person who lacks mental capacity
If an agent is at your door:
- Do not open the door unless you intend to pay immediately
- Speak through a closed door or window
- Ask for their ID number and which debt they’re enforcing
- Do not let them in—once inside, they can return
What Rossendales cannot take#
Even if Rossendales agents gain entry, there are strict limits:
Items they CANNOT take:
- Essential household items (beds, chairs, tables, cookers, fridges, washing machines, heating)
- Tools of the trade up to £1,350
- Third-party belongings (you need proof: receipts, finance agreements)
- Blue Badge vehicles
- Work-essential vehicles under £1,350
- Items for care of children, elderly, or disabled residents
Items they CAN take:
- Luxury items (TVs, gaming consoles, laptops)
- Jewellery and watches
- Second cars
- Designer items
- Collectibles
How to deal with Rossendales#
If you’ve received a Notice of Enforcement:
You have 7 clear days from when the notice was posted to pay or arrange payment. During this “Compliance Stage” you’ll only be charged £75. If the 7 days pass and an agent visits, the fee jumps to £235+.
If you have multiple debts: Request a full fee breakdown. Under Regulation 11, if multiple debts were enforceable together, only one £235 enforcement fee should apply. Marston was caught violating this in 2025—you may be entitled to a refund.
If you don’t owe the debt: Contact the council (not Rossendales) with evidence. Only the council can withdraw the case.
If you’re vulnerable: Disclose this to both Rossendales and the council in writing:
- Mental health conditions
- Serious illness or disability
- Recent bereavement
- Financial crisis
How to stop Rossendales#
1. Pay during the Compliance Stage#
Pay the debt plus £75 within 7 days. Avoids the £235 enforcement fee.
2. Contact the council#
Rossendales acts on behalf of the council. If you negotiate a payment plan with the council’s Revenues department, they can instruct Rossendales to pause enforcement.
3. Breathing Space#
Apply for Breathing Space through a debt advisor. This gives you 60 days of protection:
- Rossendales cannot visit, add fees, or take control of goods
- Interest frozen
- Time to explore long-term solutions
Apply through StepChange, Citizens Advice, or National Debtline.
4. Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)#
If you have multiple debts totalling £5,000 or more, an IVA stops Rossendales immediately. Once approved:
- All enforcement action pauses
- Council tax arrears and other debts are included
- You make one affordable monthly payment
- After 5-6 years, remaining debt is written off (typically 30-70%)
Check if you qualify for an IVA
5. Challenge the fees#
If you have multiple debts and Rossendales charged multiple £235 enforcement fees, challenge this. Under Regulation 11, only one enforcement fee should apply. Reference the 2025 Marston scandal.
How to complain about Rossendales#
1. The Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB)
Rossendales (Marston) is ECB accredited. Complain to Rossendales directly first, then escalate to the ECB if unsatisfied. The ECB imposed a Supervised Action Plan on Marston in 2025.
2. The council that instructed them
Rossendales acts as the council’s agent. If their conduct was improper, the council has responsibility to investigate.
3. Request body-worn video footage
If an agent visited your property, request body-worn video footage. This is your right under data protection law.
4. Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
If your complaint is about the council’s decision to use bailiffs, complain to the Ombudsman.
What to include in complaints:
- Case reference number and debt details
- Dates of all correspondence and visits
- Names or ID numbers of agents
- Exactly what Rossendales did that was improper
- How you’ve been affected
- What outcome you want
- Supporting evidence
Contact details#
Rossendales Ltd (Part of Marston Holdings)
Company number: 01587401
Parent company: Marston Holdings
How to verify an agent: Ask for:
- Enforcement Agent Certificate number
- ID badge with photo
- Debt reference they’re enforcing
FAQs#
Who owns Rossendales?#
Rossendales has been owned by Marston Holdings since March 2013. Marston is the UK’s largest enforcement company (£700 million valuation), backed by Rothschild & Co, Lloyds Bank, and Inflexion Private Equity.
Is Rossendales the same as Marston?#
Yes. Rossendales is a brand within Marston Holdings. The Rossendales name was officially retired for Legal Aid work in July 2019 and replaced with Marston branding. If you receive a Rossendales letter, you’re dealing with Marston Holdings.
Can Rossendales bailiffs force entry?#
No. For council tax, parking fines, and business rates, Rossendales agents cannot force entry on first visit. They can only enter through an open door or if you invite them in. Keep doors and windows locked.
What fees can Rossendales charge?#
Compliance Stage: £75 (when notice sent). Enforcement Stage: £235 + 7.5% of debts over £1,500 (when agent visits). Sale Stage: £110 + 7.5%. These are statutory fees set by law.
Were Rossendales involved in the Marston scandal?#
Rossendales is part of Marston Holdings. In 2025, Marston was caught overcharging thousands of debtors by failing to link concurrent debts (Regulation 11 violation). Result: ~£8 million refund liability, TfL contract suspension, ECB Supervised Action Plan.
Is Rossendales legitimate?#
Yes. Company 01587401, ECB accredited, part of Marston Holdings. “Legitimate” means they have legal authority—it doesn’t mean you can’t challenge their actions if they breach regulations.
Can I stop Rossendales with Breathing Space?#
Yes. Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection. Rossendales cannot visit, add fees, or take control of goods. Apply through a debt advisor (StepChange, Citizens Advice, National Debtline).
What can Rossendales take from my home?#
They can take luxury items (TVs, laptops, jewellery, vehicles). They cannot take essential household items, tools of trade (up to £1,350), work-essential vehicles (up to £1,350), Blue Badge vehicles, or third-party belongings.
How do I complain about Rossendales?#
Complain to Rossendales directly first (28-day response), then escalate to: ECB (Enforcement Conduct Board)—Marston is under Supervised Action Plan, the council that instructed them, or Local Government Ombudsman. Request body-worn video footage under data protection law.
What is Regulation 11?#
Regulation 11 of the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014 states that when a bailiff enforces multiple debts at the same time, they can only charge one enforcement fee, not separate fees for each debt. Marston (Rossendales) failed to comply with this in 2025, overcharging thousands.
If you’re dealing with Rossendales and have multiple debts totalling £5,000 or more, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could stop enforcement action immediately and consolidate your debts into a single affordable payment.