TV License Renewal - Planning Not to Renew but Need Advice Please

Adamc

Hi all 

My partner and I work shifts and watch very little TV. What we do watch is either on Netflix, Amazon Prime or Youtube. I previously watched BT Sport (thanks to a free trial with an EE phone contract but that has expired and I do not plan on renewing). 
The only BBC content we have consumed in 12 months is news briefings on a smart speaker and Dracula on iPlayer over Christmas (now available on Netflix). 
We have no children at present. 
Our license for the TV is up for renewal but I am considering declaring our household as not needing one.

I just wondered what I could do to ensure I don't inadvertently breech this declaration?
I intend to remove the aerial and ensure the TV is not tuned in and remove the preinstalled iPlayer app from the TV.  
Is there anything else I need to consider? What should I expect in terms of them contacting us regarding our decision? 

While Dracula was fantastic, the license fee just doesn't make sense in our household so I feel we could do without the content. 
However, I need to ensure I have fully excluded any need for one. 

Thanks for any help in advance.

pphillips

Simple, just don't watch live TV or BBC iPlayer. But it seems like you already know that.
I get a letter every 2 years asking me to renew the no licence needed and that's it.
However, other people may have different tactics and experiences when dealing with TV Licensing.

jbuchanangb

The TV licence is for all free-to-air channels however received, so that includes anything received through an aerial, or a satellite dish, or streamed live at the time of broadcast through the internet. If you can be sure of complying with the requirement not to tune into any such things, then you should be OK.

Swipe

4 simple steps:

1. Don't renew

2. Don't contact them

3. Bin their monthly letters unopened

4. If anyone calls, tell them you don't watch TV or iplayer . Don't give your details or sign anything

Adamc

jbuchanangb said:

The TV licence is for all free-to-air channels however received, so that includes anything received through an aerial, or a satellite dish, or streamed live at the time of broadcast through the internet. If you can be sure of complying with the requirement not to tune into any such things, then you should be OK.

BBC iPlayer 'catch-up' programmes also require the license fee ... is the same true of 4OD etc?

Adamc

Swipe said:

4 simple steps:

1. Don't renew

2. Don't contact them

3. Bin their monthly letters unopened

4. If anyone calls, tell them you don't watch TV or iplayer . Don't give your details or sign anything

Is it not better to let them know you do not require a license? Wouldn't that make them less likely to contact/hassle you to renew?

anniecave

Adamc said:

jbuchanangb said:

The TV licence is for all free-to-air channels however received, so that includes anything received through an aerial, or a satellite dish, or streamed live at the time of broadcast through the internet. If you can be sure of complying with the requirement not to tune into any such things, then you should be OK.

BBC iPlayer 'catch-up' programmes also require the license fee ... is the same true of 4OD etc?

BBC iPlayer is the only catch up service that requires the license fee. Any other service like 40D doesn't.

anniecave

Adamc said:

Swipe said:

4 simple steps:

1. Don't renew

2. Don't contact them

3. Bin their monthly letters unopened

4. If anyone calls, tell them you don't watch TV or iplayer . Don't give your details or sign anything

Is it not better to let them know you do not require a license? Wouldn't that make them less likely to contact/hassle you to renew?

I don't have a licence, and I personally find it easier to just declare that I don't need one. They then don't contact you for at least 18 months. I did have someone from Capita on behalf of TV licensing turn up to check after my second declaration in a row, but they didn't make much of an effort to even look around when I said I didn't have a TV. They checked in my lounge for a physical TV, saw I didn't have one and went away quite happy.

Petriix

You are probably better to tell them rather than endure the onslaught of misleading and accusatory letters. You don't have to allow them to visit. They aren't allowed to just look around your home (unless they have a warrant, which can only be obtained if they have evidence that you've been breaking the law).

You're allowed to own a TV although it's probably prudent to have it unplugged from the aerial. I find it best (and most amusing) to formally withdraw the implied right of access that allows their representatives to enter your property to approach your front door. That way it is immediately an act of trespass for them to set foot on your path.

Adamc

Petriix said:

You are probably better to tell them rather than endure the onslaught of misleading and accusatory letters. You don't have to allow them to visit. They aren't allowed to just look around your home (unless they have a warrant, which can only be obtained if they have evidence that you've been breaking the law).

You're allowed to own a TV although it's probably prudent to have it unplugged from the aerial. I find it best (and most amusing) to formally withdraw the implied right of access that allows their representatives to enter your property to approach your front door. That way it is immediately an act of trespass for them to set foot on your path.

How does one formally withdraw an implied right of access?

Adamc

Should I take any precautions around friends or relatives who may visit with a smartphone/device with iPlayer etc installed on them? 

i.e. should I deny them access to wifi or state that I don't have a licence so they are aware not use such services at my property?

For instance a member of our bubble is going to be waiting in while we get a plumbing issue resolved ... unfortunately we cannot wait until we are off to get the work done and our employer is somewhat inflexible at present.