Aggro from TV Licence people!

Wig

JohalaReewi wrote:

2) If you watch TV on your PC via the internet, you need a TV licence if the TV station broadcasts in the UK (TV card or not). If you watch TV over the internet without a TV licence, make sure it is a foreign channel!!

No you don't, and the website you linked to said you don't, but, that website was not an authority in the subject. If you think you do then show the proof from TVlicensing.

This from tvlicensing:
"If you use a TV or any other device to receive or record TV programmes (for example, a VCR, set-top box, DVD recorder or PC with a broadcast card) - you need a TV Licence. You are required by law to have one."

*with a broadcast card*

Fruitcake

My outlaws had similar hassle a few years ago.
Father-in-Law didn't have a TV but kept getting "the letters" and eventually "the visit" despite informing TVLA.
"You haven't got a licence"
"I haven't got a TV"
"You've got an aerial"
"I haven't got a TV"
"Then why have you got an aerial?"
"I haven't got a ladder"

There's more.

Grandmother-in-Law has a free licence as she's over 75. Moved to F-i-L's house to recover from illness. Told TVLA of temporary change of address. F-i-L stops getting harrassed, but "the letters" now arrive at GM-i-L's house. Usual 'phone calls/letters to TVLA with no effect. Eventually I send letter to TVLA on GM-i-L's behalf.
"I am 80yo widow. Have told you x times on y dates about change of address. Suffering distress/fright etc caused by you. Have had to give details to strangers (you) that my house is empty. Worried about being burgled as a result. This constitutes harressment under new antistalking legislation, (quote relevant section of law), take you to court if you do not stop. Name individuals (from letters previously received) who will be sued"
Harressment stopped.

GM-i-L goes home. TVLA informed. Guess what happened next.
Yes it did. F-i-L starts getting "the letters" again.

Wait, there's more.

A few years later, F-i-L moves house. GM-i-L moves in to attached granny flat. Check with TVLA. There is only one postal address for both abodes, so only one TV livence needed. Great, they use GM-i-L's freebie and F-i-L decides to get a TV as well.

Later, F-i-L decides to install gas central heating in granny flat. Can't tap into existing pipe to main house, it's not big enough. Need a new pipe run in from road. Can't do that, it has to be to a separate address. (Have you worked out what's going to happen yet? F-i-L hadn't)
Okay, contact Royal Mail, get granny flat allocated with a new address, fit post box (must have a separate one).
New gas pipe installed, all now lovely.
Here it comes, F-i-L gets a letter from TVLA. Now each abode has a separate address, they must have separate TV licences.

Oh.

F-i-L buys TV licence, fortunately only for 18 months until he is 75.

...and another thing.

Postie can't be bothered to deliver to granny flat, all post gets stuffed in the nearest box for the main house irrespective of how it's addressed.


Fruitcake


You Only Listen To Me When I'm Wrong

bank_of_slate

A couple of years ago I bought a DVD player.
I have a TV licence and have paid by direct debit for the past 6 years for the 'priviledge'
About 2 weeks after the purchase I recieved a threateningly worded letter stating that I had bought a 'device' that I wasn't licenced to own.
I swore at it and ripped it up. Never heard anything from them since.
I don't think they know what the hell they're doing...sitting on their elbows I presume.
...Linda xx

elvis_bloggs

I get 2 reminders a month for a TV License, first black then red, this has been going on for 10 years at my present address and even longer at my past address, they do not have my name on the reminders, I am just "The Occupier", no way will I reply saying that I have not got a TV because that would be lying and I do have some scruples.

MooseRich

webmasterpolo wrote:

LOL @ the sport of TV licence inspectors.

Could ask Sky if they would be interested in Pay-Per-View? :rotfl:

My ex had quite a few problems with setting up the DD with them when she was at uni. And seeing as they have to set it up, they made the problems and no money was taken. She tried to chase and correct it but they didn't want to help and do it properly. Free TV in my eyes. Muppets is a word that springs to mind with them lot.

Here's something though, would you know what a TVL inspectors identity card looks like? If not, don't let them in, you really don't know who they are. So many conmen about these days. You could just refuse to let them in on the basis that you don't accept their identity. Better safe than sorry :T

Also, would you know what a proper search warrant looks like? I wouldn't.

Dora_the_Explorer_5

Here's something though, would you know what a TVL inspectors identity card looks like? If not, don't let them in, you really don't know who they are. So many conmen about these days. You could just refuse to let them in on the basis that you don't accept their identity. Better safe than sorry :T

Also, would you know what a proper search warrant looks like? I wouldn't.

What an excellent point !
And for anyone over 70 reading this, there's a rumour that if you stop buying your licence when you're 70 you are highly unlikely to be taken to court as the cost to them outweighs the gain! I guess people who might take advantage of this rumour would need strong nerves and a large recycleing bin for the paperwork.

WSO

Whenever we buy anything TV related we have learnt the hard way that I should use my card to pay for it (since the licence is in my name and you can't have joint names on a licence). Found this was easier than having the hassle of telling them we had a one every time we bought something.

Once when we asked if the address was being collected to pass onto the TVL we were told that it was only for the store's records (this was for a DVD player I think)... what do you know, two weeks later an invite for OH to buy a licence came through the door! To say I was annoyed was an understatment because I told the salesperson that the TV licence was in my name... that was the reason I asked the question about the address in the first place!

RightRevBod

WSO wrote:

Whenever we buy anything TV related we have learnt the hard way that I should use my card to pay for it (since the licence is in my name and you can't have joint names on a licence). Found this was easier than having the hassle of telling them we had a one every time we bought something.

Once when we asked if the address was being collected to pass onto the TVL we were told that it was only for the store's records (this was for a DVD player I think)... what do you know, two weeks later an invite for OH to buy a licence came through the door! To say I was annoyed was an understatment because I told the salesperson that the TV licence was in my name... that was the reason I asked the question about the address in the first place!

Sue them!
They have used your data for a purpose other than that which you authorised. As a DVD player can not receive a broadcast signal, they have no statutary duty to pass your address to TVL. They have commited a breach of the Data Protection Act.

webmasterpolo

Now's theres an idea....

I hvae looked into breaches of the DPA before with npower sending me spam even after being told 5 times to stop. I did a formal request for all the info they held on me including all call notes regarding me 5 calls telling them to stop. Got a pile pf paperwork from them (free) no call notes, either they don't make notes or didn't complete my request. Either way after that they didn't spam me again.

Is it the case that you have to sue the company for breach of DPA? I know u can report them but I doubt much will happen, and it will not get u any compensation. I might consider sueing next time it happens to me. Is it just a small claims court case?

-Web

Fruitcake

A while ago I downloaded the Data Protection Act in its entirety and then read it.

From what I remember, you can sue an individual, (the person who contravened the act,) anyone complicit with the offence (their supervisor/manager if they backed up the original offender,) the Company Data Controller (who is responsible for seeing that the data is kept in accordance with the act,) and the Company concerned.

Data subjects (that's us) who suffer damage, or damage and distress, as a result of a Data Controller's non-compliance are entitled to apply to the Court for compensation. The offender(s) may also be charged with a criminal offence by The Information Commissioner and subject to a fine of up to £5000 plus costs in a Magistrate's Court, or an unlimited fine in Crown Court. Telling them that should get their attention.

Incidentally, if you request details of what information a Company holds about you, under section 7 of the act you have to apply in writing and there is usually a fee of up to £10.
However, a request can be made under section 55 of the act. This does not specify that it has to be in writing and no fee is mentioned. The Company does not have to provide this information, but if you sued they would have to prove to a court of law that to release it to you would not be in the general public's best interest. It would be very difficult for any Company to prove that not giving You information about You would meet this criteria.

Fruitcake

You Only Listen To Me When I'm Wrong