How often do TV License inspectors come round?

cpheonix

Apologies for another TV License thread but couldn't find this information on the others out there. Basically I had a 'we came round today...' letter in the post from them (first time ever) and standard wording on it was they'll be coming back.

Does anyone know when and/or how often they'd come round again? I have a TV but just watch Netflix and catchup tv.

I only ask because next week in the daytime my dad will be staying over for a few nights and as he's old so I'm worried they'll call round when I'm at work and he'll give them all my information. I can brief him not to open the door to anyone but he's a bit senile.

Thanks

Browntoa

they don't come round any more

if they do they have no right of entry to your premises

you tend to just get threat letters

matelodave

I think they do, they tend to have a blitz on an area, see what response they get (ie does it frighten a few into buy a licence) and then have another go at a few that haven't.
AFAIK they can be a bit intimidating and you have to stand-up to them otherwise they'll give you loads of BS about the dire consequences if you don't let them in, sign their forms or pay for a licence.
All you can do is put a chain on the door and tell your dad to put it on if anyone calls and not let them in or just to not answer the door under any circumstances.

Heinz

They have no power of entry.

They have no power to ask questions (not even your name).

They have no power to ask you to sign their paperwork (a particularly dangerous area - whether it's true or not I don't know but they've been said to fill in incriminating details later, once they have the signature).

"I'm sorry, the kettle's boiling. Goodbye" (close door) is a polite way to get rid of them.

cpheonix

Thanks for the replies, I am fully aware of the powers they don't have - it's something I've thoroughly researched and well-prepared for!

It's the frequency of when they physically knock on the door AFTER the first visit that I'm interested in. Do they come round again fairly soon afterwards e.g. after 1 week? Or is it more like 6 months - a year? Or would it be totally random??

matelodave

It will be random - could be anything from a few days to a few months or more. Even if they send notice that they are surveying the area they won't tell you what day, week or even month they plan to come. You won't know who they are or when they'll knock until you answer the door.

[Deleted User]

matelodave wrote: »

AFAIK they can be a bit intimidating

They are only intimidating, if you allow yourself to be intimidated.

Over the years, they've visited about a dozen times, and I was in for three of the visits.

It was all I could do to resist laughing, which would have ruined the video I was making of them.

anotheruser

Browntoa wrote: »

they don't come round any more

Please provide me with a source for your information.

Browntoa wrote: »

if they do they have no right of entry to your premises

I thought you said "they don't come round any more" - either they do or they don't

In my experience, they have come round once in two years. They said they'd be back "next year" but as yet nobody has turned up.

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

It was all I could do to resist laughing, which would have ruined the video I was making of them.

Why are you making a video of them?

What is the purpose?

To get them angry? How would you feel if I bust in to your place of work and started making a video of you?

While I understand many are "bullies", you should feel sorry for them, not resentment. They are only doing a job trying to earn a living. The job is tough enough without un-desirables like you laughing and making a video of them.

[Deleted User]

anotheruser wrote: »

How would you feel if I bust in to your place of work and started making a video of you?

This is hardly the same.

The inspectors are on someone's doorstep, and don't therefore have a "place of work" to bust into.


Regardless, I don't know why the OP is making videos either-perhaps he's a frustrated Hollywood film director?:)

[Deleted User]

anotheruser wrote: »

Why are you making a video of them?

What is the purpose?

For my own protection, and because I'm allowed to.

How would you feel if I bust in to your place of work and started making a video of you?

I'm not visiting their place of work.

It is they who are visiting my place of residence.

While I understand many are "bullies", you should feel sorry for them, not resentment.

Why should I feel sorry for someone, who is trying to sell me something I neither need nor want, and/or prosecute me for an offence I'm not committing :huh:

The job is tough enough without un-desirables like you laughing and making a video of them.

Who are you to judge me to be an "un-desirable"?

As for the job being tough, as the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat".

ETA: Just got home, to find yet another "What you need to know about the enfarcement process" letter, on my doormat.

anotheruser

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

For my own protection, and because I'm allowed to.

Sorry, what protection? From whom?
Yes, I know some people have been forced to court before but if you look a little deeper, they either admitted something or signed something.

So really, your excuse is a "just because I can" sort of excuse... not actual, factual reason why.
Do you record everyone who turns up to your doorstep? Salesmen / women? Charity people? Religious people?

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

I'm not visiting their place of work.

Arguable, but doorsteps could be considered their place of work.

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Why should I feel sorry for someone, who is trying to sell me something I neither need nor want, and/or prosecute me for an offence I'm not committing :huh:

Because they probably don't want the job, nor enjoy it. Some may yes, but the majority won't (an educated guess here).
Better to have a job than no job - you agree yes?

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

As for the job being tough, as the saying goes, "if you can't stand the heat".

The majority of people I am sure are polite and nice.

Bedsit_Bob wrote: »

Who are you to judge me to be an "un-desirable"?

Someone. On an internet forum. That has yet to convince me their actions are what could be considered "normal" and "reasonable" - that is; the majority of people who receive a visit from an Enforcement Officer don't start filming them "for their own protection".


If you are completely innocent then you have nothing to hide and these "sales people" as you call them (do you call your bin men "Refuse Managers" by a chance?), despite that not being their job title, they are nothing more than an irritant that is just a fact of life. Why is it something you will have to be used to? Because the majority of evaders DO need to pay some sort of licence, so your grief lies with those that do not pay, yet watch TV. If everyone was honest, there would be no need for the inspectors at all.

If they bother you that much, try out that letter revoking their right to be on your property - let us know how you get on.

Also, thank you for linking to an image that isn't even yours
I'm sure we all know what they look like. Personally I haven't had one in years because I told the inspector I didn't need a licence - he checked the TV and was satisfied. No filming, no nastiness but a small "I told you so" smile did greet him on his way.