Legal obligation to reply to TV Licensing

20SmthngSver

Is there a legal obligation to reply to TV Licensing's (rather threatening) letters if you don't watch, record or stream live or catch-up BBC programs and services?

I only watch Netflix and Amazon Prime and my TV isn't plugged into an aerial, I don't have Sky, Virgin etc or anything else. The only thing my TV is plugged into is the power socket.

It said to stop them writing then buy one or say you've moved, then under it says more discreetly to tell them online or by post you don't need one.

I looked at their online form but it asks for name, email and phone number, and I don't want to do that because then they won't leave me alone about asking me if my licensing status has changed.

I've heard that even if you do tell, online or postal, they keep writing to you anyway. But do you legally have to reply to them to tell them you don't need a licence? Or are they just trying to guilt trip me (wrongly) and pressure me into buying one or writing to them?

Swipe

There is absolutely no legal obligation to reply to TV licensing letters.


From the horse's mouth. See point b:


https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/45747/response/114020/attach/html/3/RFI20101149%20final%20response.pdf.html

20SmthngSver

Ah okay thanks. Sounds like whether you reply or not, they still make contact and still send people out.

"It is unfortunately necessary for TV Licensing to visit homes to confirm there is no television being used as, when we make contact on these visits, 20% of people are found to require a TV Licence."

Meaning that 80% are truthful!

oldernonethewiser

As on the various other threads on this subject, just ignore them.


Letters can go in the recycling.


Should they turn up, once they identify themselves you can bid them good day with no further interaction.

Swipe

20SmthngSver wrote: »

Ah okay thanks. Sounds like whether you reply or not, they still make contact and still send people out.

Yes, it makes no difference. If they do eventually visit, keep them in the dark and never confirm your details or sign anything. As stated, just tell them no thanks and close the door. Do not engage in conversation, you have nothing to gain and everything to lose by doing so.

20SmthngSver

Really? If they knock and identify, just say no thanks and shut the door?

Swipe

20SmthngSver wrote: »

Really? If they knock and identify, just say no thanks and shut the door?

Or just say you don't need one if you prefer but that will prompt them into a conversation. At that point, cut them off and close the door. My line is, open the door, and before they say anything I say, "whatever you are selling I'm not interested" and close the door.

20SmthngSver

Lol okay thanks.

Even though I'm doing nothing wrong, they make you feel like you are. Their initial letter was in pastel green font but their notice letter is all in red with big red boxes. It's really threatening and they make you feel guilty for having done nothing wrong. It's terrible really.

giraffe69

You can, as said, ignore them and shut the door on them when they call.
You can alternatively fill in their form saying no licence needed and they leave you alone for two years and then ask you to do it again. Thus far that has been without problem although it wouldn't satisfy those who wish to rant on about their inalienable rights!

20SmthngSver

It wouldn't particularly bother me to write a letter but I've read/heard that they do still contact you within that two period to check if you don't need one.

Marvel1

I just don't the answer the door if I'm not expecting anyone.