Do I have to pay my TV Licence IF;

[Deleted User]

I purchased one in March 2011 and they backdated it because I had a period of 2 months without one.

My point was that I had no TV it was broken.

Can I demand that I only renew when it reaches March 2012?

Mikeyorks

You've left it a bit late to argue the point?

HappyMJ

You should have argued the point last year. Take the risk if you want. Don't answer the door for those 2 months though and you'll get your 2 months back.

[Deleted User]

I dont though because they will just backdate it once more, so then I loose the two months again...

I have emailed them anyway to argue the point but I just wondered if they were allowed to just backdate as and when they like, because I just purchased a 12 month one and even in a different name but they just matched it with the address and backdated it.

I thought I was moneysaving but turns out they were also!.

Mikeyorks

assj wrote: »

I thought I was moneysaving but turns out they were also!.

First smile I've had all day! Yes .... some short cuts bite yer bum!

[Deleted User]

Yes, well I suppose I have lost nothing, which is unusual with my track record :-)
Thanks anyway guys.

davemorton

buy it under a different name, and also say it is a new license, not a renewal. If you use this method at a shop (paypoint) you should get a new one for the full 12 months.

slinga

You can and should get the date changed.
I am overseas for 6 months every year so cancel my license as required. When I renewed last year they backdated to when I had cancelled my license 6 months before.
I phoned them about it and they changed the start date to the correct start date.

The TV License issuing guys are a real pain though and continually annoy me with their letters telling me I need a license when I'm not even in the country and I've sent them copies of my air tickets.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for your help all! I will do this today then.

But now I ask the question when this one does expire at the changed date, should I then wait two months again? Or is this just going to land me in court on Monday morning :-/

I have been thinking you could easily get a years free out of this, doing this a few times here and there :-)

Naughty I know but I don't even watch the BBC and I don't think it's very fair. I know this is a topic of mixed response.

Mikeyorks

assj wrote: »

I know this is a topic of mixed response.

A lot of which don't fit your scenario? You've tried it in a different name - and failed? Proving you were abroad (and the house was empty) for 6 months - you can't do. So I can't really see it's at all helpful.

I have no doubt they keep a record of those patently trying to 'work it'. Probably best not to volunteer yourself to go on it!

[Deleted User]

Oh well we will just see what they come back with, I think it must be worth a try, why not? :-)