TV Licensing harassment letters

kpie

I have a TV license, and don't really mind paying for one.

However, we've moved twice since I took out the license, and they've never sent a new one for the new address, instead been told that I can use the original one. The other day we got a letter saying it was overdue (I pay yearly by cheque). I thought they always sent reminders? Why do they waste so much money sending letters to people who obviously don't have TVs, but then don't send reminders to people who do pay and instead send angry letters??

Ah well. Going to pay by cheque in the post, so I'm sure I'll get another angry letter because it'll more than likely get lost in the postal strike..

Paul_Varjak

myrnahaz wrote: »

Don't you need a TV licence if you use a radio - even if you have no TV? I'm sure that's the case.

No!

It is even possible to buy a sound-only TV and listen to TV without a licence!

Liz3yy

Don't get me started on TV licences and the TV licencing authorities........

I bought my first flat in 2003, it was previously a buy to let and the owner had been renting it out. When I moved there was a stack of official looking letters on the door mat threatening all sorts if the occupier didn't buy a licence, they dated back to January of that year, I got the keys in July.

I didn't have a TV when I moved in and didn't buy one until December as I simply couldn't afford one yet I kept receiving letters telling me I had to have one. Why do they assume you have a TV and feel they have the right to threaten you on the off chance that you don't?

I tried ignoring the letters but in the end got fed up with the increasingly angry tone of them so I wrote back stating that I did not own a TV as I had just bought my first home and simply didn't have the money left for a TV set, not that I was bothered as they is simply sod all to watch most days anyway. I invited them to come and have a look if they had to, and I would stand and point and laugh whilst the enforcement officer struggled to find a TV hidden in a 3 room studio flat with no storage space.

I never heard from them again.

PopeSock

hawkwinddotcom wrote: »

Paranoia? Not the poster but the web site owner

The following works if you're getting access denied:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080801041249/http://www.tpuc.org/stoppayingtvlicencefees

ManxAvenger

We got a few threatening letters stating "We know where you live", "We have specialist equipment" etc.
Apparently, their 'team' were visiting the channel islands and would be calling on me....

Good luck, as I am actually living on an island in the Irish Sea!

The never bring the equipment accross, ad a bad ferry crossing could damage it and they have been sent packing before now as they did not have a 'work permit' Oops!

Sis in law rang to change her address and they had no record of it - or of the 20 odd other houses in her road, including the Vicarage! We didn't pay ours for a few years as we were untraceable to the UK based system.

I DO have a licence now, well, I would have if TVL hadn't lost my BACS payment! I wanted to start a savings card scheme today and was told that I hadn't paid my last licence. I wonder how long it would have taken them to realise if I hadden't called?:rolleyes:

Darkprincze

Well after a few months of harassing letters threatening fines, warrants and legal action I finally had a visit from an enforcement officer. It went something like this......

(I was in bed after a rather heavy night and this persistent !!!!!! kept knocking the door at 9am)

(opens door) "Hello are you the occupier?"

(Classic opener I was prepared for) " Excuse me who are you?"

(Shows ID) I say "Are you the people who keep sending me harassing and threatening letters?"

(Rather startled) "er... um...ah... Yes."

(I reply) "I don't want a TV licence, I don't require a TV licence and if I ever do I will contact you."

(He has obviously had a good peek through my windows) "So you don't have a TV?"

(I know the law) "I do have a TV, but I DON'T WATCH OR RECORD TELEVISION AS IT IS BEING BROADCAST. I have a very fast internet connection, and use the television as a monitor for the PS3 and wii.)

(He immediately knows the game is up) "Well if you could just show me...."

(I cut him short) "Come in."

(I act like this is such a boring and monotonous task) "Look there is the TV, there is the remote, there is no freeview box, it's not connected to an aerial and I don't have a sky dish. Find a picture if you can."

(Again stumbling over his words) "Ok ok, i believe you."

(Acting slightly like I have a screw loose) "Look look! Scart 1, no picture, Scart 2, no picture, HDMI, TV, no picture..." (I start up the stairs) "I have a computer upstairs want to see it?)

(The guy clearly just wants out at this stage) "No, no I believe you... We have a new scheme..."

(Irritated) "I am not interested in any of your schemes or your company, I want the threatening letters to stop..."

(Reply) "They will stop. If you give me your name."

(Arrgghh) "I'm not giving you my name. I don't need a TV licence. You have confirmed this. "

(In the face of it all, he still leaves with a threat) "The threatening letters will continue unless you give me your name."

(mother f?*%$r!!) (Camly) "Well then they will continue."

(As he leaves) "That's a strange one."

Strange??? Personally I hope he meant my mental attitude. Never give these people your name. Know your rights and the law. I am not a Licence evader yet I still had to let a stranger into my house to check. He still threatened me in my own home. These guys are harassing and threatening. Anyone who earns a living peeking through peoples letterboxes and windows doesn't deserve an inch. I phoned TV licensing straight away, told them I had a visit from an enforcement officer, told them he agreed that there was nothing to enforce and asked if the letters would stop. What is the name on the letters? He asked..... The Occupier, I replied.

sarahg1969

You did not have to let him in your house. You could quite easily have told him to go away.

jimbms

ManxAvenger wrote: »

We got a few threatening letters stating "We know where you live", "We have specialist equipment" etc.
Apparently, their 'team' were visiting the channel islands and would be calling on me....

Good luck, as I am actually living on an island in the Irish Sea!

The never bring the equipment accross, ad a bad ferry crossing could damage it and they have been sent packing before now as they did not have a 'work permit' Oops!

Sis in law rang to change her address and they had no record of it - or of the 20 odd other houses in her road, including the Vicarage! We didn't pay ours for a few years as we were untraceable to the UK based system.

I DO have a licence now, well, I would have if TVL hadn't lost my BACS payment! I wanted to start a savings card scheme today and was told that I hadn't paid my last licence. I wonder how long it would have taken them to realise if I hadden't called?:rolleyes:

Ditto for location, but the sods can now operate without a permit under the 14 day specialist rule, but in saying that as soon as they get on the Ben at Heysham the skeet machine starts and everyone knows they will be here for 10 days, just to add they do not have any right of entry here just the right to ask. 2 days 4hrs 15 mins to this years TT see you in the tent fella.

Darkprincze

sarahg1969 wrote: »

You did not have to let him in your house. You could quite easily have told him to go away.

Yes you are quite right my bad... but he thought he was on to an easy sale as he had obviously spied through my windows and clocked the TV. Which I use as a monitor. I wanted to give him a verbal bashing and turn the tables on these bullies. I am not breaking the law and he practically ran away from my house. ME...1. TVL/BBC...nil!

KeithP

jimbms wrote: »

... just to add they do not have any right of entry here just the right to ask.

They have no right of entry in England either.

:beer: