TV licence

PoGee

We pay for Now tv, Amazon prime and Netflix. I kept the TV licence thinking we needed it for YouTube (which we view via a Now tv app, not Freeview) but on checking gov.uk about this, it says you can watch YouTube videos and on demand eg All 4, without a license. If we never watch live TV, is it correct that I don't need a TV licence? It's just me (female late 50s) and daughter in house now - no sports fans. 

devoncop22

Totally correct.

No live TV means no TV licence needed. In addition you cannot watch any BBC iPlayer content.

We have not had a licence for 4 years now. No visits just a letter every couple of years asking for confirmation we still do not need a licence. This can be confirmed online.

We use ITVX (free) , Amazon Prime, Freevee and if we ever need extra content subscribe to Netflix or Britbox. Once we have seen what we need to we unsubscribe. It is really easy to do and we have not missed live content or BBC rubbish for one minute.

PoGee

Thanks devoncop22. I pay by direct debit - do I just cancel the direct debit or do I need to contact TV licencing? I've paid it since 1988; stopped viewing all BBC around 4 years ago also. 

oldernonethewiser

https://forms.tvlicensing.co.uk/Viewer?formName=Refund and cancellation request (1.0).wdf

Cancellation page

Obviously not just BBC but no live TV viewing allowed without a licence

powerful_Rogue

PoGee said:

Thanks devoncop22. I pay by direct debit - do I just cancel the direct debit or do I need to contact TV licencing? I've paid it since 1988; stopped viewing all BBC around 4 years ago also. 

You can cancel online  -https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/cancellations-and-refunds-top7

PoGee

oldernonethewiser said:

https://forms.tvlicensing.co.uk/Viewer?formName=Refund and cancellation request (1.0).wdf

Cancellation page

Obviously not just BBC but no live TV viewing allowed without a licence

Yes, we watch NOW TV, Netflix, Youtube pre-recorded videos and Amazon Prime only

BadDebtor

PoGee said:

Thanks devoncop22. I pay by direct debit - do I just cancel the direct debit or do I need to contact TV licencing? I've paid it since 1988; stopped viewing all BBC around 4 years ago also. 

PoGee said:

We pay for Now tv, Amazon prime and Netflix. I kept the TV licence thinking we needed it for YouTube (which we view via a Now tv app, not Freeview) but on checking gov.uk about this, it says you can watch YouTube videos and on demand eg All 4, without a license. If we never watch live TV, is it correct that I don't need a TV licence? It's just me (female late 50s) and daughter in house now - no sports fans. 

I dumped them over a decade ago, to be fair I have completely disabled any potential to watch live TV (of any type) and made sure any new devices or TV's that try to install BBC iPlayer do not (set country to Afghanistan).

When I cancelled I stopped my DD and I found out that they actually take 6 months upfront, I don't know if it has changed but you may be entitled to a refund.

BTW are you sure that NowTV does not have some live TV?

Once you cancel do not engage them, shred any of their dumb letters, do not answer the door if they call and do not watch live TV, especially if your TV is visible.  

It is tragic that BBC is destroying it's relationship with the largest demographic of it's audience on all platforms, especially on radio and news app.

oldernonethewiser

It is possible to watch live TV via Now. 

Not obligatory though so no need for a licence if not watching the live element.

Can you explain more about how the BBC is destroying it's relationship with part of the audience via the radio and news app?

Thanks

ladruid

BadDebtor said:

BTW are you sure that NowTV does not have some live TV?

If doesn't matter if something *can* receive a live broadcast or iPlayer.

The law is you only need a TV licence if you:

• watch or record live TV on any channel or service
• use BBC iPlayer

They have to catch you in the act of breaking the above to take further action.

FreeBear

ladruid said:  The law is you only need a TV licence if you:

• watch or record live TV on any channel or service
• use BBC iPlayer

They have to catch you in the act of breaking the above to take further action.

The alternative is to elicit a confession that you have been watching live TV or iPlayer. One trick question that they tried on me was "What was the last thing you watched on TV ?" - The fact that you might have seen something on TV at another house is totally irreverent to them.

Do not engage with the clowns. Simply tell them to leave (with a few choice words if necessary), and don't answer any questions (not even to confirm your name).

BadDebtor

ladruid said:

BadDebtor said:

BTW are you sure that NowTV does not have some live TV?

If doesn't matter if something *can* receive a live broadcast or iPlayer.

The law is you only need a TV licence if you:

• watch or record live TV on any channel or service
• use BBC iPlayer

They have to catch you in the act of breaking the above to take further action.

That is usually the case but there are videos on YouTube showing visit and them lying to get a warrant, they then come in and find something capable with a history and they have you.

Also worth mentioning the "opinion" of the black belt barrister, I think he is very wrong about TVL and interpretation of the law, he seems far too literal and does not mention case law.

In terms of the principle, I would never have a device that was capable, so no aerial, no dvd with freeview and I take further measures against iPlayer  because I saw a video where one of the goons who was let in actually installed it.

I would not use PlutoTV because it transmits a live signal even though it is an app.

I used to sideload the old NowTV pucks which were rebadged Roku I think, I seem to remember they come with some live channels that Sky give as equivalent to Freeview which is why I made the comment.

My home is invincible, nobody can see what I am watching but I still don't watch live TV on principle, but I would be wary of saying to people that they have to catch you because we know they lie and deceive from the moment they knock at your door.   

Just get a video doorbell and do not engage, just post the video of them looking stupid or send it to ChilliJonCarne.