Over 75 TV Licence

Graywisdom

Today, 5 August, I received the information from TVL regarding having to purchase a paid licence.
In the correspondence they quote a website "tvl.co.uk/75pay". So tried to find this webpage but it doesn't exist! so I thought I would call the number for more 
advice. Guess what, it is any automated service on how to pay for the licence. I then went to TVL's main site under 'contact us' and all they show is an email request form - with the comments that due to Covid19 there may be a delay in replying. There is no physical way you can talk to a person!
Par for the course in the UK (with or without the virus).

p00hsticks

That link works for me and redirects me to this page on the tv licencing website

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/update/your-licence/index.app?authorizationFilterPageName=authorization-75view&wt.mc_id=bbc_75

JJ_Egan

As above

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=tvl.co.uk%2F75pay

Note if used as a link if used as a search then different results .

NormCloud

I only received the privilage of a free licence in September 2019. Now as a law abiding goody I would very much like to take advantage of the value that the licence offers. Just try renewing!

"Thank you. Your details are correct. Unfortunately you are unable to log in due to the current status of your TV Licence. Please call us on 0300 790 6081 so we can help." 2 hours later?

It would appear that the licencing authority (otherwise known as Capita, outsourced from BBC) are contacting all those over 75 in the next months who now need to take a licence in order to renew. However, when contact is made the demand for payment will be backdated to August 1st 2020. I therefore surmise that this would mean if a letter is sent out in March 2021, the arrears would amount  to 8/12 of the annual fee £157.50 (£105) to be paid in the 4 remaining months of the year prior to renwal. I believe this to be unjust, since this would increase the budgeted monthly outgoings of many over the age of 75.

Clarification and an explanation is needed urgently.

The BBC is acting more like the ignorant government in Westminstereveryday.

AlwynP

As I have not received the promised letter to over 75s I tried to renew online today.  Guess what?  I was asked to pay 6 monthly payments of £26.50 because my renewal was backdated to April.  I have sent a message via 'contact us'.  Doubtless by the time I get an answer I will have received the letter.  What a carry-on! 

Graywisdom

Eventually I managed to apply on line on 6 August and gave my banking details. Capita asked for an email address so they could send me an acknowledgement of my application. Two days later still no email.

cajef

Letter from TVL arrived yesterday applied for licence online today, set up a direct debit and new licence dated until 31/07/2021 received by email within ten minutes,

giraffe69

Whilst there may well be incompetence in the process especially in its early days you get the feeling that some are looking for any detail to show it is flawed and they shouldn't have to pay. If the system buckles under people sending post dated cheques as has been threatened in some quarters will that make some happy? Personally I would end the licence fee but if it is to stay I think it should apply to all with exemption given for those on pension credit. If it does go then the funding would likely be from some subscription model and it would end the role of Capita in its unwholesome ways of chasing people.

pphillips

The licence fee isn't just free for over 75's on pension credit, it's also free for millions of people who watch the BBC from abroad.

missile

pphillips said:

The licence fee isn't just free for over 75's on pension credit, it's also free for millions of people who watch the BBC from abroad.

and the millions who refuse to pay in the UK :-)

Swipe

missile said:

pphillips said:

The licence fee isn't just free for over 75's on pension credit, it's also free for millions of people who watch the BBC from abroad.

and the millions who refuse to pay in the UK :-)

I think you'll find that the vast majority who refuse to pay actually watch no live TV or iplayer.