Giving up on broadcast TV

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81951858#Comment_81951858

I didn't say anything about PACE or Scottish law. Are you saying that BBC/TVL are on firmer ground in Scotland, because I'm not sure that's true.

oldernonethewiser

Don't think I got my "no record of a licence at this address" letter last month.

They are slipping up, been getting them every month for almost seven years now, with a couple of exceptions during Covid.

Ayr_Rage

@Cornucopia just going by this

Cornucopia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952289#Comment_81952289

I think that asterisk connects to a statement about being Interviewed under caution and/or the maximum fine amount. Those things work differently in Scotland compared to England & Wales.

There isn't anything especially relevant about "Scottish criminal law" applying. The same legislation applies equally across the whole UK.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952582#Comment_81952582

The TV licensing people decide whether to prosecute in England, Wales, NI & IoM. Your data is passed to the relevant prosecuting authority in Scotland, Jersey & Guernsey and it is them that decide whether to prosecute or not. Ultimately, the end result is the same.

How a decision to prosecute is made

A decision on whether to prosecute is made as follows:

• England, Wales or Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man - We will transfer your personal data to an appropriate court if a decision is made to prosecute.
• Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey - a decision whether to prosecute is taken by a prosecuting authority. We will transfer your personal data to that authority. The relevant authority will become the controller of your data and will use the data to decide whether to prosecute you and (if so) to conduct the prosecution, or to dispose of the case in other ways (e.g. in Scotland, to impose a “fiscal fine”).

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/privacy-security-policies

Cornucopia

Sure. But in Scotland, the offence is effectively decriminalised and the fine starts at £75. That's not the case in England & Wales, where it remains a criminal offence with a fines structure that starts at around £175 plus add-ons, and rises with extenuating factors and disposable income.

From my POV, the independence of the Scottish system is preferable, as are the lack of BBC/TVL Warrants and the requirement for corroboration of evidence.

JSmithy45AD

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81952925#Comment_81952925

Being English but living in Scotland for 30 years plus I fully agree ;)

The NHS is vastly better as well amongst other stuff.

sheslookinhot

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81951858#Comment_81951858

That is the case, as it is in the UK, however the Crown Office and PF in Scotland rarely prosecute, instead seeking to pursue alternative means.

dosh37

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81951644#Comment_81951644

To boot up a Raspberry Pi computer, you need to know the user's private Linux password.

I am not going to divulge that to anyone - certainly not to a license checking goon who knocks on my door. So how are they going to prove that I was using it watch live TV?

dosh37

I find it strange that maufacturers are producing ever larger TVs with higher resolution screens when the programme material being broadcast is rubbish and not worth watching.

Who wants to pay hundreds of pounds to watch game shows like 'Tipping Point' in HD on a 55" TV?