TV licence query

reduceditem

I don't have a telly (one of the few!).


I used to get all the computer-generated letters, etc. I would wait for one that included a postage-paid reply envelope, then return the letter they sent me after having written ''this address does not have a TV'' in black pen across it which works for a bit. 3/6 months later the letters would start again.

Eventually, I was visited by two gentlemen inspectors who were surprised when I invited them in for a cup of tea! When they saw I clearly had no telly they said I would get a letter confirming that I did not need a license (I did). They told me that I would not be bothered again for 'at least' 2 years (I have not been). In fact, I think it was about 3 years ago they were round.

In other words....the only way to stop the slew of letters is for them to visit and confirm you have no telly. Writing to them stops the letters only for 3 months or so.

Tupperware_Queen

reduceditem wrote: »

I don't have a telly (one of the few!).
the only way to stop the slew of letters is for them to visit and confirm you have no telly. Writing to them stops the letters only for 3 months or so.

I agree, as I posted on another thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2935092 I too had to have a visit to prove no TV!!

corbyboy

Nottingham89 wrote: »

I was not told it was an interview, I was told I was going to be taken to court if I did not agree to what he said. Yes I hold my hands up but the tv in 6 months has only been on for 6 hours in total.

High security prison here I come

The TV detector people have absolutely no power at all. They use scary sounding words like "interview under caution", "police and evidence act" and all sorts of nonsense. I have as much power to interview you under caution as the TV license people.

But the fact is you need a license and you have admitted that you know you do.

retepetsir

I thought the rules recently changed and you now need a licence for iplayer?

derrick

retepetsir wrote: »

I thought the rules recently changed and you now need a licence for iplayer?

Only if watching the "live" part.


.

maxtweenie

When I worked for TVL many years ago I loved cases like this. It's clear cut, the OP has admitted using an unlicensed TV to watch live programmes over a six month period. Everything else should be taken into consideration by the magistrates when deciding how much to fine them.

leo~saphira

Next time.. don't talk to them or even answer the door

Under the Commucations act 2003 - you only need a "licence" to watch "live" broadcasts as its "being transmitted" from the main transmitter.

All this mumbo jumbo needing a licence becuase you own a tv set, xbox 360 mobile phones are all pure lies.

Including the detector van scam... there is no such thing.

Nuff said - licence free for 12 months now

leo~saphira

OP - did you sign any paperwork when you were cauctioned?

custardy

you use the services,then pay for them

victor2

I agree with what people have said here about the need to have a licence to watch live broadcasts, but on a slightly different note, it can be a real pain to get rid of the licensing people if you are in property that has had a licence at some point and you decide to go without.
My sister did that. She could afford the licence but couldn't justify the expense for the small amount of time they would watch live TV. They had a TV and DVD player but decided not to renew the licence and disconnected the aerial. It took many, many visits and "threats" from the licensing people before they gave up and let them get on with their lives. They have never seen a detector van, but have never watched live TV, although they do watch DVDs.