TV licence people wanting to open a 'full investigation'.

konn1ch1ha

Hi all,

First time post in this sub.

Last night, I had a knock on the door, I answered it to an unannounced TV License Enforcement Officer (EO). She explained who she was and asked if she could be admitted to the property. I had a nano-think and realised there were no TVs on at the time so she cannot prove of me watching live TV, so I allowed her entry (I've always believed they have to catch you red-handed watching live TV(?), that was my justification).

I explained that I only watch YouTube, DVDs and my girlfriend's Netflix (of course, I've watched TV for the General Election, Question Time and the like), whilst practicing my drum stuff/music, which is mainly true. She said that was fine.

Here's the confusing bit - she asked me to turn on my (Smart) TV, I did so it came up with the bog standard, built-in applications ie Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon. I mentioned, which is true, I don't use the the Smart TV features because it's crap and flaky, I use my friend's Play Station 3 instead, so I tuned that on. Again, I mentioned that I only watch Netflix and proceeded to sign into it. The PS also had a few options suggesting Netflix, iPlayer (other media players) that are built in to the device.

She asked me for my details (name and phone number) and as I was about to answer, she quickly asked me how long I'm staying here, which I replied less than a month (our contract ends in that time). She then mentioned she didn't need my details after I offered them again. I then asked "are we done here, is there anything we've done wrong?", she replied there wasn't and we returned to the conversation of moving house and what area I'll be moving to. Followed by a contact number of her estate agents.

She was friendly, didn't read out any legal !!!!!!!! ("you have the right to remain silent etc"), didn't take details and didn't say we were in trouble. What evidence or how much truth is in this? She didn't catch me watching live TV only saw some apps on the PS, which is surely not evidential enough? Where can she go from here?

TL;DR - TV EO came into flat, asked me to turn on TV, saw some apps ie iPlayer, Netflix (which were not in use at the time), didn't take details and talked about estate agents and then left. What happens now?

glentoran99

Did you sign anything?

konn1ch1ha

glentoran99 wrote: »

Did you sign anything?

Signed nothing.

glentoran99

wouldn't worry then, but I also wouldn't let them in again

rtho782

The fact that apps exist is not enough. You have internet access and the BBC website exists, that doesn't prove you use it.

However, never ever talk to them or let them in or give them your details. Best reaction is complete silence and close the door.

Cornucopia

konn1ch1ha wrote: »

(I've always believed they have to catch you red-handed watching live TV(?), that was my justification).

That is certainly one option. However, most TVL prosecutions are based on confession evidence, and there is evidence of a certain amount of foul-play in that respect from BBC-TVL from time to time.

You are not obliged to let them in to your premises (unless they have a warrant). Their website confirms this.

You are not obliged to answer their questions whether under caution or not - their website confirms this, too.

konn1ch1ha

Cornucopia wrote: »

most TVL prosecutions are based on confession evidence, and there is evidence of a certain amount of foul-play in that respect from BBC-TVL from time to time.

What do you mean by this?

Cornucopia

konn1ch1ha wrote: »

What do you mean by this?

Most BBC-TVL prosecutions are based on a statement written by TVL and signed by the defendant indicating that they confess to the offence. That's why they do not need to be caught red-handed with the remote.

However, historically there have been a small number of incidents where BBC-TVL field staff have misled or deceived defendants about the confession process (making it sound like something else) and about the nature of the offence (making defendants believe that they have committed an offence when they haven't).

In a few very extreme cases, BBC-TVL staff have themselves been prosecuted for offences like False Accounting for doing this (they do it for the commission they receive).

Even in a "normal" BBC-TVL interview under caution, there are questions about whether the policies they operate to are as legally-compliant as they should be. For example, they do not advise interviewees that they have the right to a solicitor, but they probably should do (based on Home Office guidance).

These days, though, if you signed nothing then it is extremely unlikely that you will be prosecuted. That's why you were asked that question.

Bigphil1474

konn - on one hand I'm hoping they'll pursue you for non paying of license fee as you have admitted you should have one i.e. "(of course, I've watched TV for the General Election, Question Time and the like)". On the other, I don't like how TVL enforcement operate. You need to decide whether you need a license or not - if you don't, like it or not, you need to think how you could beat them off your back, otherwise they'll keeping nagging away.

konn1ch1ha

Bigphil1474 wrote: »

konn - on one hand I'm hoping they'll pursue you for non paying of license fee as you have admitted you should have one i.e. "(of course, I've watched TV for the General Election, Question Time and the like)". On the other, I don't like how TVL enforcement operate. You need to decide whether you need a license or not - if you don't, like it or not, you need to think how you could beat them off your back, otherwise they'll keeping nagging away.

Why don't you like how they operate?

I don't need a license because I don't, and haven't, further watched live TV. As stated, I mainly used it for Netflix and DVDs.