We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
Want to cancel tv licence
What's the link to cancel? I'd like to be sent the confirmation paper too to show them if they come to door.
My TV can be seen from window outside slightly but not easily on a 1st floor flat if my blinds not pulled across. But lay out of flat is confusing for them to know it's my lounge. There's 5 flats in block.
If tv is on it doesn't mean I'm breaking law, right? As I could be watching other stuff besides bbc and they won't know what I'm watching
Comments
-
How do you pay? Just cancel the Direct Debit if you have one.
0 -
They have been experimenting with blocking the online cancellation link, so you may have to phone them. You can claim any refund owed at the same time.
Having a piece of paper to show them if they call won't help - they will already know you don't have a Licence. The best thing to do is say nothing and not allow them to question or interview you on the doorstep.
They don't look through windows or waste time understanding the layout.
You can watch commercial on-demand content, DVDs etc. without needing a licence as the law currently stands.
0 -
If tv is on it doesn't mean I'm breaking law, right? As I could be watching other stuff besides bbc and they won't know what I'm watching
You need a TV licence to watch live TV (whatever TV channel it is on, not just the BBC) or using the iPlayer. You don't need a TV licence if you use your TV for other stuff,like streamed content, DVDs, or watching non-iPlayer catchup 'TV' like ITVX.
Nobody on the forum would condone or encourage doing anything illegal - which you would be if you watch live TV without a licence.
What's the link to cancel? I'd like to be sent the confirmation paper too to show them if they come to door.
You don't need to cancel, unless you are entitled to (and want) a refund.
There's no point having something to "show them if they come to door". 'They' won't believe you anyway. Proof of cancellation isn't proof you aren't watching live TV. TV licence 'enforcement' (which isn't really enforcement anyway) seems to work on the assumption anyone without a TV licence is illegally watching TV, unless the person can prove otherwise. The visits (if they happen) reportedly involve atempting to get the person answering the door to self-incriminate, regardless of whether they need a TV licence or not.
The simple solution is not to open the door to anyone you suspect is a TV licence salesperson, or any other cold-caller for that matter. If you do open the door, then you don't have to say anything and are free to close your own front door again. Don't feel you have to be polite and chat with them.
My TV can be seen from window outside slightly but not easily on a 1st floor flat if my blinds not pulled across. But lay out of flat is confusing for them to know it's my lounge. There's 5 flats in block.
If you do any of the things that require a TV licence you need to buy one. The layout of your flat and its fenestration is irrelevant.
1 -
The Phones & TV section has a number of long running threads on this subject.
In a nutshell, as long as you don't watch scheduled live broadcast (BBC, ITV, Freeview, etc) and/or iPlayer, no licence required. Netflix, youtube, etc doesn't need a TV licence..
If you get a
Capita goonTV Licenceofficersalesman banging on your door, you are under no obligation to let them in or even answer any of their questions. You don't even have to confirm your name. A simple "go away" will suffice, or you can opt for stronger language. They are not law enforcement, have zero powers (and certainly can not demand entry), so should be treated the same as double glazing door knockers or cold calling scammer.If you feel intimidated, ask for their ID, close the door (and lock it), then call the police.
Any language construct that forces such insanity in this case should be abandoned without regrets. –
Erik Aronesty, 2014
Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.1 -
I have virgin, Netflix and this hotstick thing. Yes bbc comes up on virgin tv. I just won't watch it. I won't let anyone come in and say nothing to them. You can't get ccj, can you?
I've paid at my current address for ten years and was due end of March but just haven't paid or registered not wanting it.
On another note I think it's disgusting they're asking for so much money when everyone's bills are so high on other important things.
0 -
…and have your phone out filming the whole interaction.
3 -
I have virgin, Netflix and this hotstick thing. Yes bbc comes up on virgin tv. I just won't watch it. I won't let anyone come in and say nothing to them. You can't get ccj, can you?
It isn't a CCJ you need to worry about. If you are found guilty of the offence, it is a criminal record and fine. But without a name and admission of guilt on the doorstep (which is how they usually catch people), they don't have a case. The methods Capita use to extract a confession fall well short of the PACE requirements, so it is open to debate as to whether it is permissible "evidence" in court… Best defence is to say nothing if they come knocking.
I've not had a TV licence here for some 15 years now. Only ever had one goon banging on my door and getting a bloody nose for his efforts - Front door opens outwards, and they do like to stand close enough to stick a foot in the door. Not the wisest of position.
Any language construct that forces such insanity in this case should be abandoned without regrets. –
Erik Aronesty, 2014
Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.5 -
People can choose what entertainment they wish to pay for - it;s not compulsory. You appear to be happy paying for Virgin and Netflix, but not live TV - your choice.
0 -
How do they use detection devices to prove if you're watching BBC? Does it only work if you're watching it at that time?
0 -
They don't. There are no detection devices in routine use.
People are prosecuted by giving a confession statement under questionable circumstances.
2
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 355.7K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 456.1K Spending & Discounts
- 248.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 605.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 179K Life & Family
- 263.6K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards