HMCTS Approved Enforcement Agencies Lot 7

HMCTS uses private contractors known as Approved Enforcement Agencies (AEA) as part of its enforcement approach. AEAs are predominately used to execute Warrants of Control but the current contract also allows them to execute Warrants of Arrest. Contracts need to be re-procured to secure continuity of approved enforcement services to enable collection of financial impositions. The monies collected by AEAs on behalf of HMCTS from defaulters provides significant income for the Department.

Warrants of Control (WoC) are issued for purpose of levying goods to satisfy a fine ordered by a court - The AEAs collect the fines on behalf of HMCTS and are able to charge a recovery fee (set out in statute) directly from the defaulter, so there are no costs to HMCTS.

Warrants of Arrest (WoA) are issued when a person has defaulted on payment of their court fine - The AEAs execute these on behalf of HMCTS and are paid a fixed fee. HMCTS uses this service in areas where it does not have the capacity to send Civilian Enforcement Officers (CEOs).

The contract extension includes a 2 year extension as advertised, and a further 18 months extension. The total contract value is expected to remain below the original advertised value.