Bailiff failed to attend eviction can they charge me again?

Hi Property118 forum, I had a bailiff’s appointment for 9:45 am on 23rd June. I had called the week before to confirm that it was proceeding and was assured it was. I was on site by 8.30am and the locksmith arrived at 9.30am.

The bailiffs didn’t turn up, I didn’t receive any phone calls, and the admin centre couldn’t help. For all that time, I was inside the property with the occupant, waiting for the bailiffs, while the locksmith stood outside by the front door. I eventually dismissed the locksmith at 10.30am and personally left the site at 11am.

Here’s the email I sent to the bailiffs: Hello,

I had an eviction appointment last Tues morning, 23/06/2026 at 9:45am, as per the attached slip. I was there waiting with the locksmith before 9:30am. No one turned up, I received no phone calls and had no way of contacting you. I called your admin centre while on site, but they were unable to help or provide any meaningful information. I eventually left at 11am feeling very frustrated.

I had called your contact centre beforehand on 19 June to confirm the appointment and was assured that it was very much going ahead.

Having sent two emails last Tuesday afternoon to [email protected] and not received a reply, I called the contact centre again today for an update. Surprisingly, I was told that there is a file note stating that they attended and no one was present. I can’t see how that could be, as I was at the address at 8.30am and the locksmith from about 9.30 am. If need be, he will attest to his arrival and departure times, as I was invoiced for his time!

Please let me know what happens next and how I can reclaim the wasted locksmith fees.

Today, several months later, I’ve received this response:

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your email.

I have checked the case details; the warrant has been marked “Absent Claimant”, meaning the bailiffs could not execute the warrant as there was no claimant at the property at the time of the eviction. Please note that in this circumstance you are required to issue a new warrant and a fee of £152 is required.

It seems like months later, I’ve now been told that it’s my fault and I should pay another fee. Given that this is clearly false, what are my rights and how can I enforce them? I’ve been told that they have 12 weeks to respond to any communication I send. The original judegment was handed down 12 months ago.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

YL