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

heartbreak_star

Yep, we got pulled because we had an internet connection and were therefore capable of viewing live broadcast TV.

Got sick of telling them, then one day they got a right of entry warrant and tore the house up looking for proof we were watching TV. Never wanted that to happen again, and obviously if it did go to court it was their word against ours so we bought a licence to keep our noses clean. Had more to worry about at the time!!

HBS x

spacey2012

allydowd wrote: »

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

The first "myth" is they can enter your home and perform a spot check.
They have no more right to enter your home and check your TV than the secret society of underpants inspectors have to spot check your pant drawer.

Cornucopia

spacey2012 wrote: »

The first "myth" is they can enter your home and perform a spot check.
They have no more right to enter your home and check your TV than the secret society of underpants inspectors have to spot check your pant drawer.

Exactly - at that stage, they only have the option to ask to come in. You can say no.

Cornucopia

heartbreak_star wrote: »

Yep, we got pulled because we had an internet connection and were therefore capable of viewing live broadcast TV.

How long ago was this? I have exactly that set-up, as do thousands of others and we all live in relative harmony with the forces of entertainment enforcement.

To reiterate using the words from the TVL website:

You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast.

Got sick of telling them, then one day they got a right of entry warrant and tore the house up looking for proof we were watching TV. Never wanted that to happen again, and obviously if it did go to court it was their word against ours so we bought a licence to keep our noses clean. Had more to worry about at the time!!

So, they got a SW? "Tore up your house", even though that is not within their policy? And were you prosecuted? If not, or if you were found not guilty by the Court what happened then? Did you complain, take it up with your MP?

spacey2012

Did anyone see the hilarious video on youtube where they turn up with the police and a warrant ?
The clued up home owner puts both cops on oath leaving Capita requiring the householders consent to enter under the warrant !
Which he then refuses.
Hilarious stuff watching the police explain they can no longer assist them in gaining entry and would have to arrest capita if they try to break in.
Hilarious stuff as they all skulk off with tails between their legs.

Cornucopia

This one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRQTkOk__48&feature=player_embedded

Warning: this video contains some Freeman stuff that may not accurately reflect the law.... and some "TVL" stuff that may not accurately reflect the law, either.

MoonJelly

Surely the inspectors are required to leave the house in order. It is not as if you are being checked over the possession of some lethal device which requires leaving the house a tip and being rude on top of it all.

BTW, I tried watching IPlayer and such and my connection was slow and couldn't watch more than 5 minutes of anything. BT kept telling me there was nothing wrong with my wireless device. In the end I gave in and got a licence.:mad:

p00hsticks

I'd strongly recommend if you don't need one that you let the TV licensing people know by filling in their online declaration here;

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/no-licence-needed/

as in my experience this ensures an end to all the visits, bullying communications etc that others complain of (and I used to get).

They only tend to chase up properties that they have no record of - i.e. those that have neither a license nor have made a declaration that they don't need one.

yangptangkipperbang

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.

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.

Sorry Buzby - you keep saying this and it is incorrect - your understanding of the Communications Act is flawed.

As is your argument - you don't even understand the basic principles of English Law.
You don't have to disprove anything - THEY have to prove that you were breaking the Law. That is why TVL always try and get you to sign something admitting an offence - nearly all convictions are obtained this way.
"Judge" ?? - yet again you don't understand. If you are prosecuted it is dealt with in the Magistrates Court NOT a Crown Court.

As I previously have explained to you the Act states you must have a licence if you "install" a TV with the intention of watching live TV broadcasts without a licence. The TVL website actually links to this part of the Act.

1. This what the Act says.
2. The TVL website says this is slightly plainer English.
3. As I also said NO ONE has been prosecuted for just having a television


You need a licence to watch or record TV as it is broadcast - FULL STOP. Not for anything else.

Heinz

yangptangkipperbang wrote: »

As I previously have explained to you the Act states you must have a licence if you "install" a TV with the intention of watching live TV broadcasts without a licence. The TVL website actually links to this part of the Act.

TVL 'prove' that intention by (rarely) catching someone watching a live broadcast or (more often) getting someone to admit to doing so and signing their form to that effect.