TV License - Paying 6 months in advance

Kavanne

I am trying to renew my TV License, which I was able to pay annually last year but not so lucky this year. Anyway, when renewing online and electing to pay monthly the following message comes up:


You pay for your new licence in the first six months of setting up your Direct Debit, paying around £23 per month. You'll then start to pay for your next licence in 12 monthly instalments of around £11 per month (six months before and six months after) and continue paying for licences in this way. If you don't require a licence for the entire year, you may be able to apply for a refund.

Now, as I am trying to save hard I don't want to be forced into doing this. I am trying to call them but I have been on the line over 20 mins waiting to get through (don't worry, used saynoto0870!) and I was wondering if any MSEers knew what my rights are over this? If I pay the standard £11 pm I will pay within the TV license period so I won't be in arrears or anything, can they force me to be 6 months in credit with them?!

Kavanne

35 mins....

Kavanne

Are they even open...?

Radish72

Kavanne

I don't think they will change but there no harm in trying - apart from an aching arm waiting for them to answer the phone. Can you check online

This was the main reason why I don't pay my TV license by direct debit as you are paying for 6 months before you need the TV license, but I'm fortunate thay I can pay in 1 lump sum

You would think will all the interest they will be making this way they could cut a better deal.

Wonder if there is anyone that you could complain to as I'm sure they are the only company that do this

Kavanne

My mum just had a suggestion, ask them for details for a Standing Order. I would be happy with that.

Push comes to shove I have a credit card with is 0% til end of June on purchases so I could use that but it's really for emergencies only....

PS; 52 mins

CG19a

I dialled the 0844 number this morning and was over and done with in 6 minutes.

Radish72

Hi Kavanne

Just notice your signature about saving for a new kitchen, I have just about got there with saving for a new kitchen so I have had it designed and ordered it last Saturday

I broke it down in to units and appliances so as I saved more I could think now I have the oven and a base unit etc

The things we do when we are saving up :rotfl:

Kavanne

CG19a wrote: »

I dialled the 0844 number this morning and was over and done with in 6 minutes.

I am not calling an 0844 number!!!

Rikki

Kavanne wrote: »

I am not calling an 0844 number!!!

Probably where the problem lies.
The number may go to an office which isn't open on a Saturday.

Kavanne

Rikki wrote: »

Probably where the problem lies.
The number may go to an office which isn't open on a Saturday.

My boyfriend called their silly 0844 number and spoke to someone. He was on hol 15 mins.

They will not even entertain the idea of paying by monthly standing order and insist on you being 6 months in credit with them. I find this very frustrating as I am trying to save but with money going on all my utilities trying to make me build up credit it is very hard!!

bigjon1968

After you have paid the 6 monthly instalments for this year's licence, just cancel the direct debit. Then, if you can't afford to pay in one lump sum again next year, just do the same again.