Visit from TV Licensing...

David333

Hi there. We don't have a TV (just a monitor) and don't watch live TV (although lots of catch up programmes online). We have declared to the TV Licensing people about a year ago when we moved in that we don't need a license but I've just arrived home to a note saying that they have called round to check and may call again.

I just wondered where we stand on this. My fiancee doesn't really want strange men coming into the flat when she's home alone. I'm happy to show them that we don't have a TV, but will they start looking through our laptops, etc? I've seen on here that we shouldn't sign anything; is that right?

Just hoped somebody could help with what is the best course of action to take. If we let them in, what will they do?

Thanks!

Ectophile

The TV Licensing people have no power of entry. They are just employees of a private company, just like double glazing salesmen. If you choose to let them in to show them that you don't have a TV, then you can. If you choose not to let them in, there's nothing they can do about it.

They may present you with a form to sign. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING, whatever they claim it is. Nothing good can possibly come of it.

Buzby

It doesn't matter who comes to the door - why sign anything? As for their enquiries, you simply deal with them firmly - no right of entry, so no invitation without a warrant. Oh, they employ strange women too - so don't be sexist!

David333

It's the strange women that I'm worried about rather than my fiancee!

I'm quite happy for them to come in, see there's no TV and then not to hear from them again. However, I don't want to invite them in, then spend half an hour with them searching under my bed, through my laptop, etc.

I assume that if we refuse them entry they will keep on coming back until we buy a license, go above their heads or let them in. And obviously I don't want that hassle.

If it's just a case of them coming in, seeing no TV and leaving, then I would be perfectly willing to allow them entry.

Mojisola

David333 wrote: »

Hi there. We don't have a TV (just a monitor) and don't watch live TV (although lots of catch up programmes online). We have declared to the TV Licensing people about a year ago when we moved in that we don't need a license but I've just arrived home to a note saying that they have called round to check and may call again.

I just wondered where we stand on this. My fiancee doesn't really want strange men coming into the flat when she's home alone.

Write to them again saying that you still don't have a TV and so don't need a licence.

Don't let them in!

David333

Mojisola wrote: »

Write to them again saying that you still don't have a TV and so don't need a licence.

Don't let them in!

Thanks. I've just filled in the online form again, ticking the 'reconfirmation that we still don't need a license' box. I declared that we watch catch-up TV on a computer. Hopefully there won't be any other visits. The note they left had nothing to do with Capita on it; it was all TV Licensing branding...

Mojisola

David333 wrote: »

Thanks. I've just filled in the online form again, ticking the 'reconfirmation that we still don't need a license' box. I declared that we watch catch-up TV on a computer. Hopefully there won't be any other visits. The note they left had nothing to do with Capita on it; it was all TV Licensing branding...

And if they come again, be prepared for all sorts of tricks -

I need you to sign this so I have proof that I visited you

or

I need you to sign this so that the records will show we don't have to visit you again

and similar

(and the form you sign is an admission of guilt),

spacey2012

Agree, either one of you signs anything they have, you will be taken to court and found guilty.
The best way to deal with them is to tell them you do not need a licence and then shut the door, do not say anything else or get in to a conversations.

If the milkman called wanting to know why you will not buy his milk, would you let him search your house for evidence of milk usage ?

silverwhistle

I haven't even told them since I moved in in July as their website required too much information. If they can't be ar*ed to check the electoral role I presume I don't have to tell them my name?

They're certainly not coming in; I value my privacy. If they point out the aerial on my roof I shall tell them that they're quite at liberty to remove it if they wish, particularly as the bloomin' wood pigeons perch on it and s**t on my solar panels!

acc

If they call again, write to Tony Hall or Pipa Doubtfire at the BBC to complain, and withdraw TVL's right to access your property.

A while ago, I was subject to unfair harassment by TVL / Capital when I did not need to buy a TV licence.

I complained to Tony Hall at the BBC, who passed the matter on to someone called Pipa Doubtfire. She investigated the matter, admitted the poor level of service, and acknowledged my withdrawal of TVL's right to access. However she said TVL would contact me 2 years later in case the situation changes.

scheming_gypsy

Keep a copy of Watchtower next to the door. Next time they come, start talking to them about Jesus.