Single justice procedure Notice tv licensing.

debtout

A few weeks ago whilst going to the gym met the chap from TV licensing at the door. We had a quick chat and by the end of the conversation he had convinced me to sign a direct debit form to pay TV licence. After not thinking much about it, noticed they had taken about 39£ and I stopped the direct payments as 3e never watch anything on BBC as we have Netflix and virgin TV. In fact on the day he came I just wanted to go to the gym so had just blindly agreed to what he was saying.

The single justice procedure Notice has arrived and not sure what to do as I don't really want any trouble coming my way. Whats the best way to sort it out as there is mention of "an application is being made for 120£ contribution towards the cost of TV licensing and I need to plead guilty or not guilty. Does this mean if I pleade guilty all I am paying is the 120?

Cornucopia

debtout wrote: »

A few weeks ago whilst going to the gym met the chap from TV licensing at the door. We had a quick chat and by the end of the conversation he had convinced me to sign a direct debit form to pay TV licence. After not thinking much about it, noticed they had taken about 39£ and I stopped the direct payments as 3e never watch anything on BBC as we have Netflix and virgin TV. In fact on the day he came I just wanted to go to the gym so had just blindly agreed to what he was saying.

When TV Licensing interview people in their homes or on their doorsteps they rarely sign people up for payment schemes without also capturing a confession of TV Licence evasion. Their whole commission payment subterfuge depends on the two things being linked.

By cancelling the DD, that confession was then brought into effect and the prosecution process was triggered.

For anyone else reading this, I would strongly advise not speaking to TVL staff at the door. Legally, there is no need to do so, and it is never in your best interests. For a legally sound justification (England & Wales), simply say: "I decline to be interviewed based on my rights under PACE", and walk away/shut the door.

If the TVL visit reminds you that you need a TV Licence, simply buy one later online, by Phone or at a Paypoint shop. Buying a Licence in that way cannot be used of proof of evasion.

The single justice procedure Notice has arrived and not sure what to do as I don't really want any trouble coming my way. Whats the best way to sort it out as there is mention of "an application is being made for 120£ contribution towards the cost of TV licensing and I need to plead guilty or not guilty. Does this mean if I pleade guilty all I am paying is the 120?

The SJP notice tells you that a case against you is proceeding. If you do nothing, the case will be found against you by default as if you had pleaded guilty. In the event of a guilty verdict, the result will probably be a fine (based on your income), the costs of c. £120 and a "victims' surcharge" (around 10% of the fine). People on low-moderate incomes typically receive fines of £150-250 and those on higher incomes maybe c. £400. It won't just be the £120.

If you plead Not Guilty you are opting for a full hearing, and you can go to Court and plead your case. In theory, the fine could be higher if you plead NG and lose.

There is no Legal Aid for TVL cases.

DCFC79

debtout wrote: »

A few weeks ago whilst going to the gym met the chap from TV licensing at the door. We had a quick chat and by the end of the conversation he had convinced me to sign a direct debit form to pay TV licence. After not thinking much about it, noticed they had taken about 39£ and I stopped the direct payments as 3e never watch anything on BBC as we have Netflix and virgin TV. In fact on the day he came I just wanted to go to the gym so had just blindly agreed to what he was saying.

The single justice procedure Notice has arrived and not sure what to do as I don't really want any trouble coming my way. Whats the best way to sort it out as there is mention of "an application is being made for 120£ contribution towards the cost of TV licensing and I need to plead guilty or not guilty. Does this mean if I pleade guilty all I am paying is the 120?

You say you have Virgin but do you watch any of the BBC channels or the radio ?

Cornucopia

DCFC79 wrote: »

You say you have Virgin but do you watch any of the BBC channels or the radio ?

If the OP watches ANY broadcast TV channels on a Cable TV system, then that would require a Licence.

The OP should have received a copy of the interview form completed when the TVL person called. This is called a TVL178. That will detail the allegation and will normally state the channels or TV service that has been admitted.

[Deleted User]

Cornucopia wrote: »

If the OP watches ANY broadcast TV channels on a Cable TV system, then that would require a Licence.

The OP should have received a copy of the interview form completed when the TVL person called. This is called a TVL178. That will detail the allegation and will normally state the channels or TV service that has been admitted.

And the chances of someone being believed if they try claiming they don't watch any broadcast TV channels whilst paying for Virgin is absolutely zero.

Best to just pay up, God knows why anyone would blindly sign something on their doorstep without reading it is beyond me.

JJ_Egan

OP key fact.
never watch anything on BBC as we have Netflix and virgin TV.


Licence is not to watch BBC .
Licence is required for any live tv eg virgin .

Cornucopia

JJ_Egan wrote: »

Licence is not to watch BBC .

Licence is required for any live tv eg virgin .

Yes - that's definitely one from the Top 10 TV Licence misconceptions.

I prefer not to use the term "live tv", as we know that people find it confusing. TV Broadcasts or Linear TV Channels are preferable IMHO.

debtout

DCFC79 wrote: »

You say you have Virgin but do you watch any of the BBC channels or the radio ?

No one watches any BBC or listen to the radio! The kids watch YouTube and Netflix and thats it..

debtout

Cornucopia wrote: »

If the OP watches ANY broadcast TV channels on a Cable TV system, then that would require a Licence.

The OP should have received a copy of the interview form completed when the TVL person called. This is called a TVL178. That will detail the allegation and will normally state the channels or TV service that has been admitted.

I did not receive any of this. Where do I now stand because this is all I just got?

debtout

So do I admit guilt? Would calling the TV licensing department make any difference in addition to sending of the guilty plea?

JJ_Egan

You pay for VM TV and watch channels on it ??
If yes plead guilty and accept the fine .


Going to court and explaining that you watch VM TV but have no licence is not in your best interests .