TV License, how to prove that I am not watching the TV?

nig3d

Hi,

Since in the UK paying the TV License is optional as long I do not see live programs in any form (TV/streaming/cable) and since I am not interested in watching TV I decided to not pay the TV License.

However, even if I have communicated that I do not need the TV License, the TV License company is pretty aggressive with its letters; threatening I would say.

Now it is pretty obvious to me that they want to scary me until I do not give in and pay again, however this behavior will make just things worse.

All that said I want to be sure that I can actually prove that I am not watching the TV. I am not the owner of the flat where I live. This flat has an Antenna mounted on the external wall that I cannot remove (both because I do not have any intention to risk my life since I live on a second floor and because I should ask the landlord permission to do that), but the antenna cable is permanently unplugged. My TV is instead permanently plugged to the playstation that I use to stream movie with netflix or watching blueray (or play of course).

I do not have any problem to let the TV license guys investigate my flat, but since I could plug my antenna whenever I want, how can I seriously prove that I am now watching it?

By the way, I am currently under investigation now, probably because of a miscommunication (I will investigate with a call tomorrow morning), any advice about that?

mjm3346

I am currently under investigation now

That is a phrase they nearly always use and doesn't mean much.

You do not have to prove you are not watching, they have to prove that you are.


Removing the Antenna makes no difference as you can watch live tv on line anyway

nig3d

Thank you for the quick answer, but could not they just say that I actually watch the TV plugging the cable (which is not true?)?

I mean I do not want to end up in court for such a stupid thing.

mjm3346

nig3d wrote: »

Thank you for the quick answer, but could not they just say that I actually watch the TV plugging the cable (which is not true?)?

They could also say you watch live tv on the iplayer, either way they have to prove it (I am sure other people will advise you about not signing anything if they do turn up at your door).

Dollardog

I have not had a license for nearly a year, I don't watch live tv and it was the licence renewal people who told me not to get one if I don't watch live tv. My aerial is not suitable to get the signal since it went digital but I do have a laptop capable of receiving tv, but I have honestly not watched it live. I only watch tv on iplayer or such like.
I have had no trouble from them, no threats or anything. I had one letter confirming that they believed I did not require a licence and said if things change, I needed to get in touch. They did say that I could have a visit from am inspector, but I haven't as far as I know, unless they came whilst I have been out. My tv is still plugged into the aerial, but is not tuned in now to the digital signal.

I read on here that if the inspectors come to the house, you do not have to let them in anyway, they have no legal rights and can only come in if invited, so I would say, don't invite them in.

mjm3346

Non-"Detector" Vans

http://tv-licensing.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/tv-detector-vans-capita-tv-licensing.html

RobertoMoir

As I recall, it's not for you to prove you don't watch live tv, but rather it is for them to prove that you do.

Which they can't if you don't, so why worry?

jamesd

nig3d, just ignore their letters. It's not worth the cost of communicating with them because all they do is pester you again in a little while. Cheaper and less hassle to ignore the letters.

tripled

"The occupier" of my flat is perputually under threat of investigation, at risk of having enforcement officers visit, or on the verge of being taken to court (luckily that letter has a handy cut out slip "The occupier" is allowed to take to court). Every now and then the letters reset and start building up from the beginning again.

Unless they can come up with some sort of evidence I (or you) are watching telly there is naff all they can actually do but bluster. Not having a TV licence is not an offence unless you are watching or recording live TV, and they need evidence of that. If they turn up at your door just shut it on them, certainly never sign anything.

mcjordi

i havent watched live tv for nearly 7 years and they visit and i tell em to do one as i dont watch live tv they always ask for a signature i say nope dont sign anything they always ask to see tv again i say no.
some get arsey but some are fine.
just dont sign nothing..

sarahg1969

mcjordi wrote: »

i havent watched live tv for nearly 7 years and they visit and i tell em to do one as i dont watch live tv they always ask for a signature i say nope dont sign anything they always ask to see tv again i say no.
some get arsey but some are fine.
just dont sign nothing..

Absolutely; you must never sign anything that they ask you to.