TV license - can I cancel if I don't watch TV?

stojio

My TV is used only as a monitor for my laptop as I recently cancelled my Sky subscription to save some money. The TV doesn't even have an aerial hooked up to it.

The TV License site says anyone who watches or records television programs as they are being broadcast must pay the license fee.

Since I do neither of these things and will [genuinely] not be doing it, do I need to pay the license fee?

I have heard many myths over the years, such as simply having receiving equipment within your home means you have to pay the fee, but this does not get any mention on the official website.

I could really do with having that £12p/m in my own pocket to go towards paying off my debts :cool:

allydowd

You don't need one if you don't watch or record television programmes, on any device, as they're being shown live.

Ignore the myths, but be prepared to be spot-checked.

allydowd

Just occurred to me: Most people who pay by direct debit have been paying 6 months up front so if you cancel your d/d you should ask for a 6 month refund:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9490891/Government-overcharges-1-billion-for-TV-licences-Which-claims.html

stojio

Ah brilliant, I most certainly will

KirstyO

Sounds like this is sorted now, but as a voice of experience, I haven't paid a TV license for two years. I have a tv that is not connected. I simply declare it annually/bi-annually to the tv license folk and have no problems. They do say they might follow up with a spot check but they've never visited me. I watch all I like on DVD through computer (could even have a DVD player hooked up to the tv i own and not pay a licence) and I've got a years free lovefilm, and I use the iplayers and catch up players online. Don't miss the tv at all

jimmyo

I was about to reply and say, "But surely a licence is needed for iPlayer?!" but then I checked and the iPlayer site states:

"You do not need a television licence to catch-up on television programmes in BBC iPlayer".

I'm impressed!

heartbreak_star

We got so sick of the spot checks (once they're in they will pull everything out of cupboards where you might be hiding a connection and generally leave your house in a tip) we ended up buying a licence and making a formal complaint!

HBS x

Gordon_Hose

There is no obligation to let them enter your house.

Cornucopia

People's experiences with BBC/TVL vary greatly. It seems like they use all sorts of vaguely inappropriate things like where you live in order to determine how much scrutiny to apply.

You only need a licence to watch or record TV broadcasts. ie. TV signals that are transmitted to everyone at the same time.

You don't need a licence for any of these things:-

- Pre-recorded material (DVDS, Videogames)
- Catch-up TV (iPlayer, ITV player, 4OD, Demand5)
- Other non-broadcast streaming/download (Youtube, Netflix, Lovefilm)
- Any other video around the home (CCTV, Home Movies)

This information can be confirmed on the BBC/TVL website.

If you legally have no need of a licence, you can pretty much ignore BBC/TVL enforcement if you wish. The letters can be binned or sent back, and the visits can be ignored or met with a polite "not today, thank you".

Buzby

Unfortunately, if you have the capability to view (a working Freeview receiver) then under he Communications Act you have a device 'installed'. Should TVL decide to prosecute you they will need to lead evidence that they saw it working at an unlicenced address. Even so, it will be up to te judge to decide whether you did or did not view unlicensed broadcasts.

The means if your story is not believed, you run the risk of a criminal conviction. However, with no capability, this is never an issue as you do not have the equipment capable of viewing the broadcasts. PVRs have tuners, as do STBs, so it is not simply an issue over having a serviceable 'TV'.

Incidentally, the inspectors do not need to gain access if they live broadcasts through a window at the unlicensed property.

Cornucopia

Buzby wrote: »

Unfortunately, if you have the capability to view (a working Freeview receiver) then under he Communications Act you have a device 'installed'. Should TVL decide to prosecute you they will need to lead evidence that they saw it working at an unlicenced address. Even so, it will be up to te judge to decide whether you did or did not view unlicensed broadcasts.

No one has mentioned a Freeview box.

In fact, you can use Freeview/Freesat/FS from Sky to listen to the radio, if you wish. Audio connections only, obviously.

Otherwise, yes, you would detune (or remove) any TV and any STBs, PVRs, VCRs, etc., and disconnect all aerial/satellite leads (unless they are required for radio reception).

Incidentally, the inspectors do not need to gain access if they live broadcasts through a window at the unlicensed property.

Ultimately they do, because they need the name of the offender to put on the summons.