Don't need Tv License: should I write to them saying I don't need it?

pcg2001 · 11 January 2008 at 1:32PM

Dear all,

I've been reading a lot of info on the tv license and am confused. I don't need one, since I have no live signal receiving equipment, so this is quite straightforward. I've been getting letters addressed to the "legal occupier" of this flat intimidating me. I understand they don't have many rights to intimidate me, such as forcing their way into the flat...

so my question is: should I write to them saying I don't have a license because I don't need one?
I'm afraid they will send someone to investigate, and I really don't want a strange person with no legal authority to enter my premises (I could be alone at the time) and go through my things (I don't have a tv, which is plain to see, but have 3 computers, so I'm sure they would want to check if they have tv tuning capability).

Should I simply ignore their letters? By September I will be out of this apartment and they will stop bothering me, just the next tennant....

I'm just worried that if I write to them, they will for sure bother me, whereas if I ignore them, time will pass and they will also ignore me in the mean time...

Thanks in advance.

[Deleted User] · 11 January 2008 at 1:34PM

Phone them, tell them what's going on. They won't investigate

If someone does knock on ever from the TV license people, tell them to come back with a court order or you don't need to let them in

98jdougl · 11 January 2008 at 1:43PM

If you ignore it then you're more likely to get in trouble off of them.

You HAVE to inform them of any tv/equipment able to receive.
If you don't and tell them and they find out you have it then you can be faced with a criminal record- I've known people it's happened to.

I have had to writeo n 3 occassions about having a tv that didn't work but I used to watch dvds and never had any bother from them about it

Contains_Mild_Peril · 11 January 2008 at 1:47PM

I think they're more likely to leave you alone if you contact them and let them know you don't need a TV licence. If someone does turn up on your doorstep and you explain to them why you haven't bought a licence, they might think it suspicious that you didn't say so before.

servalan · 11 January 2008 at 1:49PM

I did this for the 2nd tv licence i had . I phoned them to cancel no problems was told the 6months would be paid straight back to my account After 10 days of it not appearing , phoned again and they said they had to send a form, so make sure you ask for the form for a refund. I got 6 months back as you pay in advance for 6 month. every little helps

MushyPeas · 11 January 2008 at 1:51PM

I wrote to them in March 2007 saying I didn't need a TV Licence and haven't had any problems since.

firespire · 11 January 2008 at 2:04PM

If they write to you regularly, I would write/call them to inform them that you have no equipment and to stop hassling you, then they should cut them down to the standard one every year/ 6 months or what ever they send out which you just have to ignore.
If they visit they will be doing the whole area not just targeting a campaign against you, just tell them that you do not have any equipment and close the door.

DGJsaver · 11 January 2008 at 2:08PM

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Phone them, tell them what's going on. They won't investigate

If someone does knock on ever from the TV license people, tell them to come back with a court order or you don't need to let them in

Phone them !!! theres a laugh , ive tried for ages , automated all the way !

pcg2001 · 11 January 2008 at 3:15PM

Thanks for the advice. I'll write to them, since I've tried calling and I get the message they are too busy.

JCD_Capulet · 11 January 2008 at 3:24PM

OP, Ring them and tell them the situation. I gave my TV to my next door neighbour in Feb last year, and cancelled my NTL tv subscription. When I called the TV folk they were nothing but fantastic and sent me out a form so I could reclaim part of the fees I'd paid upfront but wouldn't be using

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Phone them, tell them what's going on. They won't investigate

If someone does knock on ever from the TV license people, tell them to come back with a court order or you don't need to let them in

There's no need for that at-all. When you cancel your TV lisence there is a little bit on the slip you're sent out telling you that they may wish in future to pop in on you if they're in the area. I think there's absolutley no problem with that what so ever if you genuinely have no tv in your home. Two minutes of your time and they won't bother you again for a long while. They are being polite to you, so there's no need to show un warrented hostility.

lic · 11 January 2008 at 5:21PM

Do you need a TV licence if you receive radio broadcasts?

Don't need Tv License: should I write to them saying I don't need it?

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