TV Licensing - won't take no for an answer

GingerBob_3

I issued a combined WOIRA and Cease & Desist notice last week on behalf of elderly relatives. I stated that both notices were permanent and would not expire after two years. TVL have now written back saying to the effect "it's the BBC's view that two years is a reasonable period during which residential status may change and we will make contact again in two years time".

I'm now looking at what sort of response I should make: I'm thinking along the lines of "any further written communication will be regarded as harassment and appropriate action will be taken. All letters will be returned unopened".

I wouldn't mind, but within the notice my relatives stated they would inform TVL at any time in the future if they moved out.

Any thoughts on the suggested response - which will be by email this time?

pathtofreedom

Depending how elderly they are do they qualify for a free licence? Would it just be easier to claim that even if they don't have a tv? A letter every 2 years doesn't sound unreasonable to me to be honest though.

Cornucopia

Cease and Desist is quite a weak legal device. It basically says: I think I have rights here, and if you don't do what I want, I will consider legal action.

Therefore, the only thing you can do if they won't abide by your instruction is to take legal action. This can be in the form of setting out a table of charges to TVL and then suing in the Small Claims process if they do anything that warrants charging them (e.g. £20 to respond to a letter).

WOIRA is a very strong legal device, and it has no time limit, no matter what BBC/TVL might think. The remedy there comes after the 2 years, where if a TVL person turns up at the property, you have immediate cause for action for trespass. You could tie that in to the charges above (say £500 for wilful trespass), and then attempt to sue for it. Ultimately, you could obtain an injunction against them, which would be a serious matter if they breached it.

ETA - I wouldn't do any of this using email. Exchanging letters with them is much more effective.

Pincher

Over 75 gets free license, and they stop sending reminders.


The last one (free) they sent lasts five years.

Swipe

Why go through all this bother for nothing? Mark my words, you will get nowhere with this. If they are all under 75 just tell them to bin the letters from TV licensing unopened and get on with their lives.

Cornucopia

Swipe wrote: »

Why go through all this bother for nothing? Mark my words, you will get nowhere with this.

Why? Because some people won't stand for this kind of nonsense that along with all the other nonsenses are taking our country more and more into some kind of neo-feudalist nightmare.

ConsumerGuy0016

Important to remember that if you claim for an over 75's TV License, the government (taxpayer funds) subsidises the cost.

Pincher

ConsumerGuy0016 wrote: »

Important to remember that if you claim for an over 75's TV License, the government (taxpayer funds) subsidises the cost.

If you are over 75, and have paid into the NI and tax system for many years, it's a different perspective.


My mother doesn't qualify for Pension Credit, or any other benefit, because she has some savings that tip her over the threshold. No free boiler in consequence. The only free things she does get is the £300 heating supplement, the TV license, and the Freedom Pass.


I suppose her state pension is paid for by the tax payer, too.


Parasite, or just reward?

Cornucopia

I certainly have no issue with the Over 75 Licence.

However, to call it "free" is a misnomer. It's not free - the BBC still wants its £145.50. The difference is that taxpayers pay for it, not the individual.

It's a strange situation, especially since the Government could make it genuinely free with a wave of the magic legislation wand. One has to wonder what the politicians concerned were thinking of when they came up with the plan.

ConsumerGuy0016

Cornucopia wrote: »

One has to wonder what the politicians concerned were thinking of when they came up with the plan.

It makes the state appear that they are doing more for the older generation than is actually the case.

Who knows, if they didn't pay for Over 75 licences they'd probably have to make up for it some other way. At least this way, they pay into one of their own, the BBC.

BBC-Died-in-1980

Cornucopia wrote: »

I certainly have no issue with the Over 75 Licence.

However, to call it "free" is a misnomer. It's not free - the BBC still wants its £145.50. The difference is that taxpayers pay for it, not the individual.

It's a strange situation, especially since the Government could make it genuinely free with a wave of the magic legislation wand. One has to wonder what the politicians concerned were thinking of when they came up with the plan.

I think it would be a far better idea if the payment was tacked on to the Winter fuel payment for the over 75s - then if the seniors don't want the BBC brainwashing, they can be a bit warmer in the winter, if they wish. They have 8 years to change it for me :rotfl:
But Realistically, I think it is more the BBC would be horrified, having to drag an 85 year old to court & then to prison if they refuse to pay the fine - All Public relations Bull......
Make the BBC a voluntary subscription & save all the aggro - Vote & pay in one go.