HCEOA Release Industry Stats for 2024
The latest figures released by the High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA) reveal continued momentum in the enforcement of Writs of Control, as the industry records a fourth consecutive year of growth.
According to the HCEOA’s 2024 annual report, the number of Writs of Control issued across England and Wales rose from 146,965 in 2023 to 154,095 in 2024 — a 4.85% increase. This consistent upward trend signals a growing reliance on High Court enforcement as an effective route for judgment recovery, particularly across the utilities, legal, and debt purchase sectors.
Increased Writs Reflect Continued Demand
The continued growth in Writ placements is a clear indicator that both creditors and legal professionals are increasingly turning to High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) to recover outstanding debts. High Court enforcement is widely regarded as a faster and more effective recovery route — particularly for debts over £600.00 that have already been awarded a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
With the increase in Writs of Control, monies recovered across the industry also saw a boost. In total, the High Court enforcement sector recovered £10.5 million more in 2024 than in the previous year — a testament to the persistent efforts of enforcement professionals working across challenging economic and debtor conditions.
Recovery Rates See Slight Decline – But Court Enforcement Services Lead the Way
Despite the rising number of Writs and value of collections, the industry-wide average recovery rate fell slightly to 19.5%, down from 20.5% the previous year. This decline highlights the increasing complexity of debt enforcement in a post-COVID economy where debtor vulnerability, affordability assessments, and cost of living pressures are influencing collection outcomes.
However, Court Enforcement Services (CES) continues to significantly outperform this benchmark. The company’s current recovery rate sits at more than double the industry average, reinforcing CES’s position as a leader in High Court enforcement services.
This remarkable performance is not only reflective of Court Enforcement Services’ commitment to ethical enforcement and operational excellence but also of its robust internal processes, dedicated client teams, and strong legal partnerships. CES has invested in technology and compliance to improve debtor engagement and client outcomes, positioning itself as a reliable partner for both volume placements and high-value recoveries.
If you’re a creditor, legal professional, or business looking to instruct us, trial our services, or simply explore how High Court enforcement could support your recovery strategy, we’d be happy to help.
Contact our Business Development team at bd@courtenforcementservices.co.uk to arrange a conversation.
Let us show you why Court Enforcement Services continues to outperform the industry.
