Since you mention a liability order I assume the debt is for council tax. The bailiff is probably enforcing a "warrant of execution."

This can be a pretty serious and expensive matter and you need to act quickly. The liability order will have come from the magistrates court and the bailiff has more powers than one acting from the county court.

The first thing to do is contact the council and try to make an arrangement to pay directly with them. Try to get them to withdraw the warrant.

To answer your question, as you will read elsewhere on this site - bailiffs are pretty much a law unto themselves - especially in regards to council tax.

"Enforcement agents will on each and every occasion when a visit is made to a debtor's property which incurs a fee for the debtor, leave a notice detailing the fees charged to date, including the one for that visit, and the fees which will be incurred if further action becomes necessary. If a written request is made an itemised account of fees will be provided."

They must enter your property peaceably but will take the opportunity to use an open window or door. They will also clamp a car in your driveway. You don't have to be there for them to list your goods on a "walking possession" but it needs to be signed by you before they can remove the goods.

If you cannot make an arrangement with the council staff, you could try contacting your local councillor for advice. The staff at the court that issued the warrant should also be able to advise of the next steps to take.

You can find out more at the national debtline website
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=02_ba...

If you feel you have grounds to complain about a bailiff, the guidelines are availiable from the department of constitutional affairs.
http://www.dca.gov.uk/enforcement/agents02.htm