TV License Clarification

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

It is time we clarified the position to watch TV Free of the License Fee, or TV Tax as some of us call it.

Watch Live TV


You require a licence to watch or record TV as it is being broadcast in the UK. This includes the internet, Sky go and BT Sport.

No longer watch Live TV

You do not require a license for catch up TV Services.

Catch Up Services, Free. Some are funded by advertising

Internet based
BBC iPlayer
itv Player, advertising Premium service available
4OD, advertising
Demand 5, advertising
You Tube

Box Based, usually Blu Ray or game box
BBC iPlayer
Demand 5
NetFlix, premium
Lovefilm, premium
Qello, music. Free and premium
YouTube
AOL and other services, depending on Box

YouView
BBC iPlayer
itv Player
4OD
Demand 5
Other catchup services depending on supplier

To remain legal when using a YouView box, detune channels and remove aerial. The box can be updated over the internet.

Now TV
Various entertainment catchup channels from Sky, premium
At present, there is no sport catchup

Others are being added by the day!

What to do about your TV licence

You have two choices, either ignore the TV License people, and continue to be harassed or state on their website that you only use catch-up TV services.

1 Ignore all sales letters and knocks on the door.
Or

2 Make a statement on TV license website, stating you only watch up catch up TV. This will stop sales letters after about 6 weeks. You do not have to give your name when doing this, the address is what is required.
Important
Don't answer any questions should a TV License collector comes to your door. He has no rights of access or special powers. Remember, these people are employed on commission. Normally these inspectors come round during the day, hence why more females are prosecuted than males.

The TV License people prosecute people because of the fear, a criminal record will be given to the confessor, hence most people sign up to paying without question. See above.

The TV License collector needs a warrant to gain access to your property. To obtain this, he needs grounds that a crime is being committed, and convince a magistrate of this fact.

Check out other TV Tax resistance sites for information.

As you will be using the internet for the TV, it is recommended that you get a unlimited package. Two 1 hour programmes in HD on any payer soon goobles up 2GB of data.

Enjoy your TV Tax free status

Heinz

You require a licence to watch or record TV as it is being broadcast in the UK. This includes the internet, Sky go and BT Sport.

I'd delete the words "in the UK" from the above (because it gives the impression that the broadcast has to be from a UK source) and add the words, "and reception/recording of any live TV transmission (including from foreign satellites/sources)."

[Deleted User]

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

It is time we clarified the position to watch TV Free of the License Fee,

You've clarified this position in every post you've ever made in this section of MSE!:rotfl:

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

...the License Fee, or TV Tax as some of us call it...

Some call it the Licence Fee, but that's just being pedantic.

Swipe

I wouldn't even bother telling them you don't watch live TV on their website and just bin the letters unopened. They still send goons around regardless.

samsmoot

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

Ignore all sales letters and knocks on the door...

Don't answer any questions should a TV License collector comes to your door. He has no rights of access or special powers.

Good advice which is always worth repeating. For the next time they visit I'm torn between putting on an inane smile and remaining silent or asking them to "wait there - I'll be back in a minute".

4justice

Just started to get the goon letters after two years licence free.

If they come a knocking I'm tempted to say "when am I gonna get my £24 back" as the BBC only refunds unused quarters, not months.

And "how do I apply for a refund for the extra DVDs I have to buy as the BBC bans me from watching other channels because I don't pay their monthly fee anymore"!!!!

Norman_Castle

I've heard retailers are no longer obliged to tell tv licensing when a tv is bought. Are retailers choosing weather to opt out or are tv licensing no longer gathering or interested in this information.

4justice

The rules were changed last year, it is no longer a requirement for the shop to give your details. I bought a new tv from Argos a couple of months ago and was pleasantly surprised not be asked.
But as there is no longer a need for a licence merely to posess a tv, I suppose it had to change.

cajef

4justice wrote: »

But as there is no longer a need for a licence merely to posess a tv

There never was.

tvlb1

cajef wrote: »

There never was.

Correct. A licence is only needed for those properties where equipment is installed or used to receive TV programme services (a bit waffly, but that's the legal jargon).

In the Republic of Ireland a licence is needed for mere possession of a TV set, which is where the confusion may arise.