The Local Authorities (Contracting Out of Tax Billing, Collection and Enforcement Functions) Order 1996

Distress

42.  Subject to article 70, an authority may authorise a contractor to exercise the functions—

(a) of taking steps to levy by distress and sale of the debtor’s goods the aggregate of any outstanding sum which is or forms part of the amount in respect of which a liability order has been made and a sum determined in accordance with Schedule 5 to the Regulations in respect of charges connected with the distress;

(b) where a liability order has been made against a chargeable person and the spouse or manager of that person, of levying distress against one of them or against each; and

(c) where the amount mentioned in paragraph (a) above (including charges arising up to the time of the payment or tender) is paid or tendered before any goods are seized, or after goods have been seized in pursuance of the distress, but before sale of those goods, of accepting that amount and, where applicable, making the goods available for collection by the debtor.