MSE News: TV licence fee to rise to £180 a year from 1 April 2026 – here's what you need to know

Simon_Swap

So I've decided to go "Licence free".

I have read various forums and am aware of the TVL tactics and their lies and misdemeanours.

I will never let them into the house, nor talk to them at the door.

We do not watch any "live TV" nor any iplayer stuff.

All TV programs we watch are catch up on the TV which is still attached to the wall (!)

So my question is this:-

I have detuned the TV, removed the aerial from the wall so if turned on the TV will not receive any channels.

However we use the Amazon Firestick to watch catch up TV on this TV.

One of the top level Menu options is "Live TV" so it could be argued that I could watch live TV at the flick of a button.

How is this interpreted in the TVL goon\warrant scenario?

I understand that supposedly you have to be either SEEN to be watching live TV or actually admit to it, not just have the capability to do so.

Owning a TV without a TV licence is not an offence.

Clarity and maybe anecdotal evidence here would be appreciated.

Thanks

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81887817#Comment_81887817

In a world where most people have access to the internet, most people have access to TV streaming. BBC/TVL generally accept that.

TVL warrants are extremely rare, and there isn't a lot of current info around about how they work, though I understand that they are often looking for TV recordings as evidence of recent offending.

MouldyOldDough

Can I record BBC programmes without watching them (although how this could be proved is another matter) - without a licence ?

This is not mentioned in the rules…

MouldyOldDough

I think that very soon BBC will have to start showing adverts - and get rid of it's totally out of date licence - because otherwise it will be goodbye BBC

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81890959#Comment_81890959

No. It is ultimately a licence for reception, and that includes recording. (I'm pretty sure this is mentioned).

What you can potentially do is record/download at a licensed location and watch them later, anywhere.

silverwhistle

It's good to know that the seasons are changing, the days are lengthening (not necessarily much lighter yet..) and the first red letter of spring has arrived confirming an investigation has been authorised.. Never having owned a colour tv since not being able to afford one during Thatcher's 17% morgage rate period I treat such things with equanimity but it did give me pause to think:

Do TVL pause their operations in winter on the basis that even they think strange men knocking on doors in the dark is all a bit much?

mta999

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81890959#Comment_81890959

you need a colour licence to record - even if you record in black and white!

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81891251#Comment_81891251

It's always all a bit much - that's a given with BBC/TVL. I don't think they stop visits on cold, dark winter nights - it must be a grim job.

grandadgolfer

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81891251#Comment_81891251

“confirming an investigation has been authorised” BBC doing their best to try sound scary

Simon_Swap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81891020#Comment_81891020

So can someone who has a TVLicence record BBC programs in their home) and then make them available to me as a download\USB stick to watch later in my (unlicenced) home?