Should I worry about TV Licence?

blaeme

I live in a house with 5 other people (we don't really talk much, weird situation)

One of the others bought a TV and put it downstairs.

I only ever go into a) the kitchen or b) my bedroom, don't care what happens anywhere else.

I asked him about it and he said he only uses it to play games, which seems likely as it doesn't have an aerial or anything but I didn't pursue the matter.

Anyway I've noticed recently quite a few TV licence letters being posted, etc. And apparently an inspector visited a week ago but nobody was home.

So my question is. As long as *I* don't watch TV live, do *I* have to care at all about these letters?

And if I answer the door to the inspector, can I politely say "Sorry, not my problem, good bye sir/madam" and get back to whatever I was doing?

Mandybham

You do not need a TV licence if you only watch content after it's been shown on television. This includes TV programmes downloaded or streamed after broadcast using a catch-up service.
So, if you have a TV but only use it to watch DVDs, for gaming or for watching catch-up TV (eg, BBC iPlayer, 4oD), then you don't need a licence.

blaeme

Mandybham wrote: »

You do not need a TV licence if you only watch content after it's been shown on television. This includes TV programmes downloaded or streamed after broadcast using a catch-up service.
So, if you have a TV but only use it to watch DVDs, for gaming or for watching catch-up TV (eg, BBC iPlayer, 4oD), then you don't need a licence.

So as long as I personally do not watch live TV, then it's fine, regardless of what my housemates do?

Mandybham

blaeme wrote: »

I asked him about it and he said he only uses it to play games, which seems likely as it doesn't have an aerial or anything but I didn't pursue the matter.

If that is true then one isn't needed but if he does watch TV then one is needed.

It be between you and others really who pays for one if needed but from what you said one isn't needed.

blaeme

Mandybham wrote: »

If that is true then one isn't needed but if he does watch TV then one is needed.

It be between you and others really who pays for one if needed but from what you said one isn't needed.

You ain't understanding the question..

For example if he watches live TV on the TV.. should I care?

pmduk

I'd say no, you commit an offence if you watch live tv. The difficulty may come if you answer the door to the enforcement officer (aka licence salesman) when the tv is being watched by others. How would you prove you weren't watching it?

Bella73

How would you prove you never watch it? Not sure these sort of organisations would just take your word for it. Might be better for you to all get together like adults and discuss it before it gets nasty as I think the fine is huge but not 100% sure how much these days it used to be £1000 or so.

ValHaller

pmduk wrote: »

The difficulty may come if you answer the door to the enforcement officer (aka licence salesman) when the tv is being watched by others. How would you prove you weren't watching it?

Very often the enforcement officer tries to get who ever answers the door to sign 'to say they have been' - but the document is in fact a confession to watching a TV unlicenced. Don't fall for that one and you will be alright.

Norman_Castle

And if I answer the door to the inspector, can I politely say "Sorry, not my problem, good bye sir/madam" and get back to whatever I was doing?

Yes.......

blaeme

Bella73 wrote: »

How would you prove you never watch it? Not sure these sort of organisations would just take your word for it. Might be better for you to all get together like adults and discuss it before it gets nasty as I think the fine is huge but not 100% sure how much these days it used to be £1000 or so.

Is the fine given to the household? Or just the person who breaks the law?

zzzLazyDaisy

Whose name is on the letters? When he bought the TV - assuming it was new from a shop and not second hand off a mate down the pub - he would have completed a form for the TV Licencing as this is required by law. So presumably the letters are addressed to him?