Historically High Sheriffs have been responsible for High Court enforcement via their Under Sheriffs and Sheriffs Officers. However, since 1 April 2004 the responsibility for High Court enforcement now falls to High Court Enforcement Officers who are authorised by the Ministry of Justice.

In reality these High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) are the same Under Sheriffs and Sheriff's Officers who carried out this function for High Sheriffs. They are all members of the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (previously the Sheriffs Officers Association), which is an Accredited Professional Association.

The main difference is that claimants now have the option to choose the Enforcement Officer they prefer, as opposed to under the old system where they were obliged to use the Sheriff of a particular county. 

Blandy & Blandy Partner, Jonathan Gater is the Under Sheriff of Berkshire and a HCEO, as is partner, Richard Griffiths.

We are now part of High Court Enforcement Group Limited allowing us to provide national coverage.  We can handle all your enforcement requirements throughout the UK through our network of highly experienced HCEOs.

FAQ’S

Q. What services do we provide?

We can enforce all High Court Judgments and County Court Judgments that have been transferred to the High Court for enforcement.  We can arrange for the County Court Judgment to be transferred to the High Court on your behalf. 

Q. How much does it cost?

Our charges are detailed below.  When a Writ is issued it makes provision for the HCEO’s charges which are calculated in accordance with a statutory scale.  If the HCEO is successful in enforcing the Writ his charges will be added to the debt.  However if the Writ is unenforceable you will be responsible for payment of a fixed fee of £60 plus VAT. 

Q. I want to issue the Writ myself, who should I nominate?

Writs should be addressed to Jonathan Brian Gater, and once issued sent directly to us.  We will then ensure that the Writ is sent to the appropriate regional office of High Court Enforcement Group Limited for enforcement. 

Q. What area do we cover?

We cover all post code areas in England and Wales. 

Q. How do I give you instructions to transfer up?

Send a copy of the Judgment and letter confirming your request.  Alternatively we can provide standard instruction sheets for you to complete and send to us.

Q. Who do I write cheques to?

Cheques should be made payable to “Blandy & Blandy LLP”.
All charges are payable in advance, regardless of whether you are ultimately successful in enforcing the debt.  Changes in Court fees or VAT will take effect immediately.

Blandy & Blandy LLP also reserve the right to charge additional fees if further work of an exceptional or unexpected nature is required.  In these circumstances you will receive advance warning so that you have the opportunity to instruct Blandy & Blandy LLP not to proceed further if you do not wish to incur these additional fees

For further information on these services please contact Jonathan Gater, Authorised HCEO, Blandy & Blandy LLP jonathan.gater@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6947.

Transfer Up & Writ Lodgment Service
Fees as at 1 April 2011

Service	Charges & VAT £	Court Fee £	Total Cost £
To transfer up a County Court Judgment and issue Writ – send copy Judgment, letter requesting transfer up and fee	20.00	60.00	80.00
To transfer up a County Court Judgment and issue Writ where you have obtained sealed N293A – need to send copy Judgment, sealed N293a, letter requesting transfer up and fee	20.00	60.00	80.00
To reissue a Writ (includes obtaining Return 3A information from HCEO where necessary)	60.00	45.00	100.00
To issue a Writ for a Scottish Judgment which has been registered in England and Wales	90.00	60.00	150.00
To issue a Writ for a Scottish Judgment which has not been registered in England and Wales	102.00	60.00	162.00
To issue a Writ for a London High Court Judgment	28.80	60.00	88.80
Where a refund is required following cancellation of instructions an administration fee will be charged	12.00	0.00	12.00