TV License - DO I have to declare I dont have one every year!

sarah_id1

I don't have a TV and I don't watch 'Live' program except that my kids watch recorded cbeebies program. I got this letter that a officer will visit my property. I am fine to let them in and check but do I have to keep updating them every year or just update them when I have one.

worried_jim

Don't let them in! Just tell them to 'eff off if they turn up, tell them are trespassing on your property and to leave immediately and most importantly do not sign anything no matter what they tell you!

Browntoa

as above...they have no right of access

ampersand

I assume you've followed through on this -
http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/how-to-tell-us-you-dont-watch-tv-top12
#
Yes, it does say an officer may check[not that they'll come in and you needn't let them FULLSTOP]- 2nd page here:
What happens if I tell you I don't need a TV Licence? We will send you confirmation of your No Licence Needed Declaration.
Please note that it's TV Licensing's policy to visit some addresses to check that the occupants don't need a TV Licence. This is because when we visit and make contact, we find almost one in five people that tell us they don't need a TV Licence actually do need one. If we find that you're watching TV illegally you could risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.*
* The Maximum fine in Jersey is £500 and the maximum fine in Guernsey is £2,000.
#I kept paying unwittingly, despite having no working tv since digital changeover. Have not been challenged or inspected - 4/5 years now.
#

sarah_id1

In the letter it says

Let us know you dont need a TV License at
tvlicensing.co.uk/noTV or on 0300 7900 365. We may still visit to confirm this.

Should I update here?

Regshoe

sarah_id1 wrote: »

In the letter it says

Let us know you dont need a TV License at
tvlicensing.co.uk/noTV or on 0300 7900 365. We may still visit to confirm this.

Should I update here?

You can if you like, but there is no legal obligation to do so and although it should stop the pointless letters, but it may increase your chances of a visit.

I refuse to register on principle, as I resent being expected to confirm I am not breaking the law... should I also tick the box to say I haven't burgled and houses this week and don't plan to do so in future?

Had an inspector call around a few weeks ago and I made it clear that they would absolutely not be allowed access to my house. They have now returned to sending their ridiculous letters, though they've dropped my name for some reason and gone back to "current occupier".

glentoran99

sarah_id1 wrote: »

I don't have a TV and I don't watch 'Live' program except that my kids watch recorded cbeebies program. I got this letter that a officer will visit my property. I am fine to let them in and check but do I have to keep updating them every year or just update them when I have one.

then you need a licence

Anne_Marie_2

glentoran99 wrote: »

then you need a licence

Not strictly true, only if OP records live tv.

You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast. This includes the use of devices such as a computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/video recorder.

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one

jon81uk

You don't need a license to watch iPlayer (as long as you aren't watching live).
If you are recording CBeebies from the live TV onto a video or using a hard drive PVR then you need a license.

Basically if you can unplug the aerial and cope then you don't need a license. As long as anything watched online isn't live.
If you need the aerial plugged in to record those CBeebies programmes, then you need to pay.

sarah_id1

glentoran99 wrote: »

then you need a licence

These are recorded programs such as "Peter the rabbit" etc. But they are NOT Live broadcast.

Babbawah

Aaah, the ol TV licence debate.

The OP and any one casually glancing at this thread, should be aware that if you don't need a TV Licence then you shouldn't be feel pressure into getting one.

You should also be aware that the anti-TV Licence brigade can get you into trouble . . . but they soon dissappear when it comes time to get you out of it.

You can, and should, refuse an inspector access to inspect, but don't do this if/when they have a warrant.