TV license

Cornucopia

The_Groat_Counter wrote: »

I'd go down the French route of collecting a licence fee alongside the taxe d’habitation - basically the council tax. In France I think the licence fee is payable if you have anything capable of viewing audio-visual stuff, e.g. DVD player, projector etc. Not sure if it covers computers yet, though that was certainly proposed a few years back and it makes a fair bit of sense for them to be included (along with tablets, smartphones etc).

I'd suggest collecting it from every household regardless, as a kind of TV/radio/multimedia licence. I guess that would stuff those who don't watch or listen to anything, and don't look at anything on the BBC website or BBC apps.

From my perspective, and in the context of the BBC's inability to manage the present system with competence, diligence or any sense of fair play, I cannot see any other option than Subscription having any merit.

It seems simply ridiculous to me that (a) we should need permission from the State to watch TV, and (b) that the consequent funding should be squandered on such delights as Bargain Hunt and The Voice (to name just two programmes out of hundreds that seem to lack public service credentials).

I would add to that that the BBC has a long and noble history of not being remotely interested in the views of those who pay for it, and I'm not impressed that they seem to be trying to make a death-bed repentance on this issue now.

I'm happy in the spirit of democracy for those who wish to use the BBC to pay for it, however, if that is not an option, then it needs to be quietly shut down and the few necessary elements replaced with something else.

Whatever happens, I think going down the route of making the BBC a subscription service would be a bad idea.

I have to say that when people I know have said this to me, and I have asked them why, they often find it difficult to come up with a coherent answer. Very often their thoughts are based in the past, rather than looking forward, which I find unappealing too.

What is your reasoning here?

Cornucopia

NeverInDebt wrote: »

I only ever watch tv (films, or a program) when it isnt live anyway.

To be clear, when TVL talk about "live TV", they mean all TV broadcasts i.e. all broadcasts over the air/satellite/cable and live streams over the Internet.

If you never watch or record TV broadcasts, and only ever watch catch-up TV, video-on-demand, and pre-recorded material, then you don't need a Licence.

pennystretcher

If you don't watch/record live TV, I'd suggest removing the aerial cable from TV, put some sticky tape over the connection in the wall and/or in the TV. I saw a Utube video where the inspector actually plugged the aerial cable in himself and then claimed the resident was in breach of the act. Unfortunately the police officers in location didn't know the Communications act and backed the license inspectors.

Remember you do NOT have to let them in without a search warrant and do not sign any papers if they visit without one. It is BBC policy not to force entry even with search warrant.

If they ask you to sign a form (under warrant), score out parts questionnaire that do not need answers as they can fill them in after inspection unless you get a copy of the signed form.

The police officers that are normally present are not the ones executing the warrant - they are only there to ensure that there is no breach of peace etc. The TVL staff have right to execute warrant though.

Under PACE you are allowed to have someone else (friend, neighbour) present while the warrant is executed as long as arranging this does not delay the execution of warrant excessively.

Hope this helps.

pennystretcher

shaunybiz wrote: »

I dont reply to the tv licence letters because im worried that if i give them my name and they want to visit me (which isnt a problem) im just worried they will see i have an aerial and assume i watch tv because of it and then take me to court with them having my name.
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Am i doing the right thing by ignoring the letters? So they don't have my name or should i declare i don't need a licence and let them come?

I have two satellite dishes on my property and do not watch/record live TV... I stopped paying when my last license run out and submitted the response online to inform them I only watch DVDs or use the TVs for gaming. I have not received letters nor has anyone been behind the door (they say someone might visit to verify this).

If they eventually visit me, I'd consider them a normal salesman and my response would be something along the lines: "not interested getting a license as I don't watch or record live TV. If you want to enter the property to check, you can submit two pieces of evidence to the nearest court in order to obtain a search warrant. As I am not breaking the law and if you decide to proceed obtaining a search warrant with falsified evidence, I will take C@pita to court for perjury" :rotfl: