England and Wales

High Court enforcement and writs of control

Understand when a judgment can move to High Court enforcement, what a writ of control means and the key thresholds in England and Wales.

A writ of control is the High Court equivalent of a county court warrant of control. Current HMCTS guidance says judgments between £600 and £5,000 may in some cases be enforced in either the County Court or High Court, while judgments above £5,000 are generally enforced through the High Court. Consumer Credit Act regulated agreements remain County Court matters.

When High Court enforcement can be used

HMCTS guidance sets out the monetary thresholds and explains that a certificate of judgment and form N293A are used for a writ of control.

What a writ authorises

A writ of control authorises High Court enforcement officers to use the taking-control-of-goods process to enforce an unpaid judgment, subject to statutory safeguards and procedure.

Why the debt type matters

Not every judgment can simply be transferred. In particular, enforcement of an agreement regulated by the Consumer Credit Act remains in the County Court.

Related guidance

Important: This page provides general information, not regulated financial or legal advice. Rules and enforcement processes can depend on the debt, court, creditor and jurisdiction.