TV Licsence inspection attemp

Jayj789

Hello all, was just wondering if I could ask your advice. Just had tv license inspectors at the door 2 of them. They asked me if I had a license I said no. It’s like they were trying to put words in my mouth when I told them I watch via Netflix YouTube etc like they were trying to catch me out. I was supposed to say itv player but accidentally said i player. He then said you would need a license for that I apologised and said I didn’t mean iplayer which I didn’t, i then said the iplayer requires a tv license to watch now so I unable to anyway. They asked if they could come in which I replied no as my partner was inappropriately dressed. I didn’t sign any disclosure or anything I am just worried that they will say I admited to using iplayer even tho I told them it was a mistake twice and don’t watch it. Do you think this could happen? I am not the most confident person at talking so maybe I didn’t get my point across to them. Anyway they said they would be back again when I am not busy. Sorry for long post. BTW I DONT ACTUALLY WATCH LIVE TV.

wongataa

If they call again just refuse them entry and shut the door. You are not obliged to talk to them or let them in. Don't say anything about what you watch or don't watch and then they can't catch you out if you mistakenly say something.

brewerdave

.....and never SIGN anything -even if they assure you ,its just to say that they have visited. As previous post ,don't engage with them at all!!

Cornucopia

When they call they do not know whether that particular household is legally Licence-free or evading. Unfortunately, whilst they are paid to find out that information, they lack any legal powers with which to do it. Which is the essence of a scandal.

You don't have to speak with them, and doing so will not necessarily "clarify the situation", as you have found out.

Is this England/Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the potential outcome varies slightly depending on where you are?

Jayj789

Thanks for reply guys appreciate you taking the time and it’s England.

Cornucopia

In England, there's no significance of there being two members of staff - could be training or assessment.

TVL Prosecutions in England are usually on the basis of a signed confession by the Householder. Since you didn't give that, it's very unlikely that they will begin the prosecution process, though they may well come back. You may want to warn other members of the household accordingly.

Personally, I would recommend never talking with TVL staff at the door. It's totally unnecessary, is arguably a breach of your right to privacy and misunderstandings easily arise when they are intent on capturing evidence of an offence. There are various legal phrases that can be used to send them away, or simply saying "not today, thank you" will do.

Other options are, from PACE: "I decline to be interviewed under caution, and since you require my informed consent to remain on the premises, you should now leave", or based on Common Law: "You require my consent to be on these premises, which I am now withdrawing. This applies to this visit only, and you are free to return, if you choose. Please now leave, and if you do not do so immediately I will call the Police to have you removed".