Ending TV licence

Wulfrune

Hello there, I was wondering if anyone can help. I plan to get rid of our TV licence because we never watch TV, mainly due to being force fed adverts, so the subscription to Virgin Media has been cancelled.
I understand the rules regarding not having a TV licence and that is: You don't watch live TV on any device, nor do you record live TV, all this I understand and will send a declaration to the TV licencing people stating this, however, what they'll do is tell me that they're going to send someone around to my house to search for use of a TV licence and to be quite frank, I do not want this to happen. Is there any way I can prove to the TV licencing that I am obeying their rules without the need for them to enter my house? My family and I are not criminals and we find it ridiculous that they'd expect me to allow an employee of Capita freedom to search my property, does this mean that they'd want to go from room to room, checking all the TV's, all our phones, tablets, computers? they'd be there all day in our house because all in all we own in excess of 50 devices that could potentially receive a live broadcast. Please help me, please understand that I do not ever break the law, that we're an honest hard working family that cherishes our privacy and most certainly do not want to be treated like some kind of criminals because we don't want to pay a TV tax to the BBC.

Please help if you can.

Thank you.

pappa_golf

a "gentleman" from a private company is not allowed to enter your house without a warrant or accompanied by a police officer , if you do get a visit , polity tell them to "sod off"

cono1717

pappa_golf wrote: »

a "gentleman" from a private company is not allowed to enter your house without a warrant or accompanied by a police officer , if you do get a visit , polity tell them to "sod off"

I always thought that even with a police officer you don't have to allow them in?

Wulfrune

cono1717 wrote: »

I always thought that even with a police officer you don't have to allow them in?

I'd love some legal clarification on this if any one can please.

Eliza_2

I told them that I no longer had the need for a tv licence for the same reasons that you have outlined, they confirmed this in writing and other than an email maybe once a year asking for me to confirm that this is still the case, I've had nothing. No threatening letters, no visits - absolute silence. I have no idea why I haven't had any hassle when others have done but it shows that you don't have to expect the worst. Maybe they just pick names out of a hat for visits or some other reason, one in ten perhaps? Or perhaps we only hear about bad experiences? I still have the dish outside the house which I gather is sometimes a trigger but not in my case. They can also see a tv through the window, it isn't connected to anything that can receive live tv, I just play videos on it (it's a combined tv/video player, very old style) No reason to hide it from the TVL people.

So make sure you know your rights, and there are several threads on here about it, and then go about your every day without thinking about it. If you do then use iplayer, watch live tv (including live Youtube which is included) then buy a licence.

Eliza

societys_child

Wulfrune wrote: »

I'd love some legal clarification on this if any one can please.

They need a warrant, signed by a judge.
Unfortunately even some police officers don't seem able to understand this, and believe anything the lying TVL tell them.

RichardD1970

Eliza wrote: »

I told them that I no longer had the need for a tv licence for the same reasons that you have outlined, they confirmed this in writing and other than an email maybe once a year asking for me to confirm that this is still the case, I've had nothing. No threatening letters, no visits - absolute silence. I have no idea why I haven't had any hassle when others have done but it shows that you don't have to expect the worst.

Same as my in-laws.

They got rid of the TV when their last child left home, so, 15ish years ago, as they didn't watch much and just listen to the radio/music.

They used to watch some stuff on their iPad (their only device capable of showing video) until the rules on BBC iPlayer changed. Now don't bother with anything, just in case. If they really want to watch something specific they will visit someone (usually me).

Never had anyone turn up at the house and just receive the occasional letter asking to confirm the satus quo.

(Should point out last time I posted about them having a hassle free "no TV licence life" I was accused of being a barefaced liar and in being in collusion with the TV licensing people :rotfl:)

m_haines86

I cancelled my TV license nearly a year ago as we only watch Netflix. We had a smart TV with easy access to iplayer but haven't ever watched it.

I have never had any one to my house or heard anything.

Hope this helps

Sam_Fallow

I cancelled mine in Jan '17 and got a refund for the remaining period. I then got letter saying the licence had expired in June and that they would launch an investigation. Since then I've had more letters and a couple of visits (I think it was them as I never bothered answering the door).

I'd be quite happy to sign a declaration that I no longer watch, record download or even care about television but they insist on proof. If we ever get to that stage I'll ask them for proof that they are not 'casing the joint' with a view to burgling my house.

Cornucopia

Here are the basic facts (and yes, different people's experiences will vary)...

1. You need a TV Licence to watch traditional TV Channels (via Satellite, Terrestrial or Cable TV), their Internet-streamed equivalents OR to use BBC iPlayer.

If you are not doing any of the above you do not need a Licence.

(TVL's description of the above is not very well worded, and there are some grey areas around what is live, what is a TV channel and what is UK-based).

There are various loopholes, including downloading content at a licensed location (which can then be watched anywhere).

2. It is your choice whether to inform TV Licensing that you do not need a Licence (the only exception being payment by DD which needs to be properly cancelled). There is no legal obligation, and what they call a "Declaration" is merely an administrative courtesy (on your part) - it has no legal significance.

3. They say they will cease sending letters if you "Declare", and this is effective in most but not all cases. They otherwise mail you every month, which I would say was excessive. Their letters are arguably threatening and misleading, but you can put them straight in the bin - again, they have no legal significance.

4. They say they "may call to check" when you "Declare", but this does not alter your right to decline to be visited. There are some complex rights and procedures around what TVL call a "visit", and TVL are known not to apply them properly, consistently or with good faith. Their field staff are paid commission based on the outcome of their "visits".

- Although we talk about "visits", this is BBC/TVL's euphemism. The visits are actually interference with privacy in the context of the Human Rights Act, a Consensual Search in the context of PACE, and an Interview under Caution also in the context of PACE.

5. If TVL staff attend your premises you can simply ignore them, or send them away. There is no obligation to speak to them or to allow them entry to your home. If they remain after being sent away then they commit a civil trespass, and the Police could be called to remove them.

6. TVL Warrants are only issued in tiny numbers (around 100 per year for the whole of England, Wales & NI). There are none in Scotland, where different rules apply to TVL. If they obtain a Warrant, they will normally attend with Police and demand entry. Once you are aware of the Warrant you must let them in. They will not break in.

7. You can ban TVL from your premises in advance, though the BBC only accept this for a period of 2 years. If TVL attend the premises having been banned then they immediately commit civil trespass, and can be pursued in the Courts accordingly. There has yet to be a test case of trespass after the 2 years have elapsed.

8. There are various other legal strategies around using the wide-ranging rights that we have over ourselves, our homes and the making of a legal statement. These can be used to tie TVL in various legal knots, but are not recommended unless you have a good idea of what you are doing and what you are trying to achieve.

My suspicion about different people's experiences with being unlicensed is that TVL probably use a geographical profiling system to prioritise "rough" and "poor" areas for visiting. Make of that what you will.

NoOne2

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/cancellations-and-refunds-top7

What happens when an enquiry officer visits a home?
The enquiry officer must explain why they are visiting, be polite, courteous and fair, and abide by rules of conduct. Enquiry officers do not have a legal right of entry to a person’s home without a search warrant, and if refused entry to premises they will end the visit. If permitted by the occupier to enter the premises, the visit is normally very quick. The officer simply takes a brief view of the main living areas to verify whether or not television receiving equipment is installed or in use.