TV License question

trickytrolleys

i used to pay by weekly instalments where youpay quite far in advance so I have a current license that says it is valid until the end of january, recently I received a letter from TVL saying my current license was expiring in mid october, I ignored it because the actual license says different, today I got another letter saying my current license expires at the end of November! My query is that I thought they did not issue the license until it had been paid in full and wondered if anybody could shed any light on this.

Many thanks

ashmit

No, with monthly direct debits you pay for 6 months before your licence starts and then finish paying in the first 6 months of your licence. For your first licence you double pay the first 6 months and then start paying for your next licence. see here

trickytrolleys

thanka ashmit, I wasnt on the DD scheme but the weekly easypay on - i dont know if that makes a difference?

Xbigman

Have you completely paid for your current licence? If you paid in instalments but stopped 3 months short they can amend your licence back three months, regardless of what is printed on it.
Likewise, if you skip a few months before renewing to try to save money they can amend it back. In my case my father died and the house was unoccupied for two months so when I renewed there was a break of two months. TVL kept telling me they have back moved my licence and it took three years to sort out.
Regards



X

ashmit

mcelhinney, ah. I'm not sure then.

How can I contact you if I have a question or a problem paying Cash Easy Entry?
You can call us on 0845 601 5526. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 9pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm.

And from saynoto0870.com, you can use 0800 551550 instead

Your first licence on the scheme will be paid for over six months, in 26 equal weekly payments. From then on, you can then make payments every two weeks.

Once you're on the scheme, we'll send you a payment card and detailed schedule showing how much to pay and when. You can make these payments at a Post Office™ branch or PayPoint outlet.

To continue to be able to pay weekly or fortnightly, you'll need to keep up the regular payments, which will be detailed on your payment schedule. You'll receive this along with your payment card when you join the scheme.

So from the looks of that, your first licence is paid for over 6 months after it is issued. Then, it's like direct debit, you pay half in advance and half in arrears.

It does look like your best bet would be to phone and ask them. Good luck trying to get it sorted.

trickytrolleys

Thanks very much both of you!

lady_noluck

The same letter came to my ex. When you phone them there's a message saying they realise a lot of cusatomers have received "incorrect" letters and not to worry.

Katykat

As I see it, TVL are operating a legal scam. When you get your 1st license you have to pay a full years payments in only 6 months, then you start paying for next years 6 months in advance. This way EVERYONE pays in advance ( most other commodities or utilities you pay in arrears or at least at time of use). There are several times when this may work in favour of TVL. When you reach 75- do people realise that they should stop paying when they are actually 74 and half? Also, when anybody dies, do theirs relatives ever claim back 6 months payments, or if anyone emigrates do they know they have paid 6 months upfront? I bet TVL operate this system purposely and I bet they make millions out of it.

jockettuk

Katykat wrote:

As I see it, TVL are operating a legal scam. When you get your 1st license you have to pay a full years payments in only 6 months, then you start paying for next years 6 months in advance. This way EVERYONE pays in advance ( most other commodities or utilities you pay in arrears or at least at time of use). There are several times when this may work in favour of TVL. When you reach 75- do people realise that they should stop paying when they are actually 74 and half? Also, when anybody dies, do theirs relatives ever claim back 6 months payments, or if anyone emigrates do they know they have paid 6 months upfront? I bet TVL operate this system purposely and I bet they make millions out of it.

im moving home in july and my partner already has a licence so i will be cancelling my direct debit in feb so it stops in march.. they not getting a penny more than they have to out of me .. they quick to take it but not to quick to give it back can take ages getting a rebate.

angelatgraceland

Well I pay a year in advance-a one off payment. Guess Im slipping up there realy, letting them have the dosh before I need to. Maybe I will change that.

lallyaya

TVL are a nightmare, I decided to cancel my direct debit a few months after I moved house. I'm working two jobs at the moment and didn't realise I didn't have a TV ariel until my sister in law wanted to watch big brother! I cancelled my direct debit and have still been unable to get my money back I also receive threatening letters weekly telling me i'm going to be taken to court! Hmm I thought you didn't need a license if you don't have a TV - try telling them that!