Lord Chancellor

The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor is the government minister responsible for the justice system in England and Wales. The Lord Chancellor authorises High Court Enforcement Officers to execute writs and has statutory responsibilities under the Courts Act 2003 and the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

In practice

The Lord Chancellor's authorisation is required before any individual can act as a High Court Enforcement Officer. Authorisations may be granted, renewed, suspended, or revoked. The Lord Chancellor also has power to make regulations governing enforcement fees, agent certification, and the taking control of goods procedure.