Bailiff Visits by Water Companies Often for Small Debts, Data Shows
Tens of thousands of households annually in England and Wales have bailiffs sent to their homes by water companies, according to data released by the House of Commons environment, food and rural affairs (Efra) committee.
The majority of these bailiff visits are for debts under £1,000. Bailiffs are court-authorised debt collectors who can seize possessions such as electrical items, jewellery, or vehicles from individuals who owe money.
The approach to debt recovery varies significantly by region, described as a postcode lottery. For instance, Wessex Water has not used bailiffs in a decade, whereas the water companies with the highest bailiff usage in 2025, adjusted for population, were South West Water, Southern Water, and an unnamed Water company.
Significant Increase in Bailiff Visits Over Time
Data shows a marked increase in bailiff visits by some companies. Yorkshire Water sent bailiffs to customers’ homes 405 times in the 2016-17 financial year, increasing to 6,124 visits in 2024-25.
Other companies have also recorded high peaks: Severn Trent instructed bailiffs 11,574 times in 2022, and Southern Water instructed 15,707 bailiffs in 2019.
Varied Criteria for Bailiff Deployment
Criteria for sending bailiffs differ among water companies. Northumbrian Water informed the committee it does not send bailiffs to homes where residents receive means-tested benefits. In contrast, Southern Water considers such customers eligible for litigation. Severn Trent does not check for means-tested benefits before instructing bailiffs.
Southern Water has some protections in place, stating that customers with dementia or critical illnesses will not be pursued through litigation.
Concerns Over Fairness and Enforcement Practices
Labour MP John McDonnell criticised the use of bailiffs by water companies that have themselves been found to have broken the law, calling the practice unfair.
“Only five directors of water companies have been prosecuted in the last 30 years. Contrast that with the thousands of mainly poor people the water companies set the bailiffs on each year.
“The system is more interested in prosecuting families that are struggling to pay their water bills than the company directors responsible for polluting our rivers and seas while lining their pockets from profiteering at the expense of both their customers and our environment.”
Some companies stated they aim to focus bailiff use on customers who can afford to pay but choose not to.
Financial Challenges Facing Water Companies
Water companies in England and Wales are burdened with over £80 billion in debt, which critics argue hampers their ability to invest adequately in infrastructure. Additionally, these companies face £200 million in environmental fines related to illegal sewage discharges.
Calls for Compassionate Debt Recovery
Alistair Carmichael MP, chair of the Efra committee, expressed concern about the extent and variation in bailiff use, especially amid recent cost of living pressures.
“It is interesting and concerning to see the extent of their use of bailiffs over time and to see such differing approaches. The figures should be seen in the context of various cost of living shocks that have hit households over recent years.
“For any family or individual to be subject to legal action is no small matter and can be a cause of severe stress and anxiety. We would urge any company to review its practices and ensure they are as sparing and compassionate as possible. We have referred this information to Citizens Advice and the Consumer Council for Water for further scrutiny.”
Statements from Water Companies
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:
“Our focus for any customer entering arrears is to assess vulnerability and provide support where necessary, through early engagement, financial support schemes, clear communications and signposting to external assistance with financial issues. Enforcement action is a last resort and is only taken against customers who we determine, using internal data and external credit agencies, have the ability to pay their bill but are choosing not to.”
A Southern Water spokesperson stated:
“We work hard to ensure customers who are struggling get the support they need, such as our social tariff schemes. We’re delivering our biggest ever investment plan, spending around £8.5bn to meet the expectations of our customers in protecting the environment and improving services.”
South West Water commented:
“We only ever use enforcement action as a last resort. Our priority is always to support customers who are struggling, and we offer a wide range of financial support.”
Severn Trent has been contacted for comment but no response was provided at the time of publication.
