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

pphillips

Adamc said:

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?

You can write and tell them,  but think very carefully before you do as this makes it easier or more likely that TV Licensing turn up at your address with the police and a search warrant. Personally, I would very much rather they have the freedom to occasionally knock on my door only for me to turn them away immediately.

pphillips

Adamc said:

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. 

Just tell visitors that you don't have a TV licence, so they will know that they are breaking the law if they access live TV or BBC iPlayer without being covered by a licence.

Grumpy_chap

Don't forget to disconnect all radio as well, including car radio.

pphillips

Grumpy_chap said:

Don't forget to disconnect all radio as well, including car radio.

I think you're a bit out of date, the radio-only licence got scrapped in 1971.

Swipe

Adamc said:

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

Your visitor's can legally use iplayer from their phone on your wifi if they have their own TV licence but no one will ever know if they do anyway.

Swipe

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'd rather not give them my details. This has worked for me for the last decade. No visits for years and I just bin their monthly letters unopened.

Petriix

Swipe said:

Adamc said:

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

Your visitor's can legally use iplayer from their phone on your wifi if they have their own TV licence but no one will ever know if they do anyway.

They are only covered by their own licence if the device is being powered by its own internal batteries. If plugged in (apparently even to an external battery) then it is not covered. However, it would be the person watching who is liable to prosecution, not the homeowner.

brewerdave

Adamc said:

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. 

No-one will check (even if they could) or care !
The Crapita enforcers have got lots of  lovely 88 year old confused pensioners to harass for the foreseeable future 

brewerdave

pphillips said:

Adamc said:

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?

You can write and tell them,  but think very carefully before you do as this makes it easier or more likely that TV Licensing turn up at your address with the police and a search warrant. 

They will be far too busy for the foreseeable future, arresting people who refuse to wear masks in public places !!

Adamc

Swipe said:

Adamc said:

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

Your visitor's can legally use iplayer from their phone on your wifi if they have their own TV licence but no one will ever know if they do anyway.

Ah - I'd have thought they'd have been able to trace you somehow ... 

Strange thing is my partner and I almost feel like we're doing something wrong by not renewing - even though we don't use the services.