The taking control of goods regulations 2013 outlines what can and cannot be taken control of as part of a controlled goods agreement. You can view the complete legislation here.

Once a debtor has signed the controlled goods agreement, any items listed cannot be sold, moved or given away.

The controlled goods agreement will include the following information

• Debtor name and address
• Date and reference number of the agreement
• Contact details for the enforcement agent
• A detailed inventory of items
• Name of people entering into the agreement
• Payment terms that have been agreed

What cannot be seized

• Tools of the trade below the value of £1,350
• Household items needed to satisfy basic domestic needs. This includes items such as cookers, fridges, beds, lamps, a telephone,
• Any item or equipment for care of a disabled person or a child under the age of 18
• A vehicle for the use of a disabled person or a vehicle displaying a blue badge
• Any goods which are premises and the home of the debtor such as a caravan
• Any goods proved to belong to a third party
• Pets or guide dogs
• Anything being paid for as part of a finance agreement (unless there is agreement from the finance company)
• Perishable items such as food and flowers

The HCEO can seize the following items

• Any tools of the trade over the value of £1,350
• Any item that is worth more than the value of the debt (the item will be sold at auction and the balance returned to the debtor)
• A car or vehicle owned by the debtor
• Cash
• Jewelry and art
• Boats and aircraft
• Wine and alcohol
• Livestock and farm animals
• Handbags (eg high-quality “designer” editions)
• Watches
• Jointly owned property (for example goods owned by a married couple)

This list is not exhaustive and other items of value may be listed in a controlled goods agreement.