TV License Question

mikb

halibut2209 wrote: »

Whilst you may be right, never ever link to a Daily Mail article. Credibility goes down the toilet.

Apologies, I'm aware the Daily Fail/Wail is not the pinnacle of journalism, but it's interesting that the BBC are busy handing back cash to people that have been bullied by their debt collector boys, aka TVL!

The article, if you can get past DM-prejudice, does mention some of the reasons that they are so keen to stick people with letters/"sign here to say I've been".

It's all about the commission for anything that leads to a conviction.

So OP: Watch what you sign and say. They are not playing by any kind of fair rules, don't drop yourself in it unnecessarily!

Nilrem

The thing is, that almost any company will pay out goodwill gestures for mistakes (you don't even have to have paid anything to the company in the first place).
When I looked at it, I worked out that it equated to something like one payment for 40k people with a TVL (ignoring those that don't have one), with an average of about £40.
That would generally be considered pretty good in most industries, as a lot of shops, call centres etc will have a target for the number of complaints that require a goodwill gesture that allow for a lot more such payments.
I noticed that one of the complaints mentioned in the article is almost identical to a fairly common one that pops up on here - a bill addressed to someone who has died recently (something that can happen even if you notify a company straight away, either because the bill has already been generated and sent to the printers, or because it's not entered into the system properly - you see it on a regular basis with banks, CC's etc, especially if their system expected a payment that has been missed).

It's actually quite likely the payments come out of Capita's pockets (well their projected profit from the contract), as it's the sort of thing that helps to try and encourage the subcontractor to do the job properly if they're the ones to pay for mistakes.

And the DM's own article contradicts itself giving two figures for a year.

Cornucopia

Whether it's Capita or the BBC that nominally pay the compensation, you know that it's Licence Fee payers that ultimately foot the bill.

These complaints are just the tip of the iceberg - there are many, many more where the complainant simply wants to be treated fairly and never wanted nor got any compensation.

TVL is not a fit organisation, its "offical" processes are highly suspect and it fails to adequately supervise its sales force to stop them taking advantage of people. Against that background, the only thing that stops the number of complaints being substantially higher is the relative small number of legally licence-free people.

patman99

Just answer the door with a video camera or cameraphone in hand and inform them you are filming them. They will turn tail and flee without even giving their names.

emilybean

I noticed that one of the complaints mentioned in the article is almost identical to a fairly common one that pops up on here - a bill addressed to someone who has died recently (something that can happen even if you notify a company straight away, either because the bill has already been generated and sent to the printers, or because it's not entered into the system properly - you see it on a regular basis with banks, CC's etc, especially if their system expected a payment that has been missed).

My uncle recently passed away and the DD for it had come out of his bank between then and the account being closed. My Grandma had a letter about a month after the account closure (obviously cancelling his DDs) saying YOU ARE NOT PROTECTED in massive bold writing and then tiny underneath was like 'if you do not pay before August 2014' .... erm... ok then.

leedsmodus

I have not had a license for 10 years since sending them a letter revoking their rights of intended access to my property and having one of their staff put their foot in my door refusing to leave and involving the police. They do not like people whom stick upto them.

bod1467

You meant implied right of access?

daytona0

Don't pay

Don't let them into your property

Don't disclose your name

Don't sign anything

Hand them a piece of paper (letter) which states that you are removing their implied rights of access

Always record them on mobile devices

If you're short term tenants then I wouldn't worry about police involvement- the TVL companies can't obtain a search warrant which does not require you inviting them in and the police can't arrest you over a peaceful protest in a civil matter.

The only thing I would worry about is your tenants revealing your name which will create some hassle in the future if TVL try to invoice you.

Just have a word with your housemates and either agree not to pay it, or stump up the smallish sum (especially when split) to pay it.

[Deleted User]

LF Evasion is not (as yet) a Civil Matter.