TV Licence article Discussion

Cornucopia

No, he would need your name to create a false confession - which is the rarest of the rogue employee exploits.

You could complain using a slightly false name? Maybe even tell them that you are using a pseudonym to avoid any possibility of "follow up"?

Lovelyrita86

Thanks. Definitely going to look into it and next time I answer the door I'll be more prepared.

[Deleted User]

Lovelyrita86 wrote: »

and next time I answer the door I'll be more prepared.

A camcorder would be a good tool, to use against him/her/it.

Lovelyrita86

It? Ha! I've heard they don't like being filmed so I'll need to make sure I'm ready to annoy them

silverwhistle

Lovelyrita86 wrote: »

After moving to a new house 2 weeks ago I had a knock at my door yesterday. No introduction or ID shown. The guy just started asking questions. Did I live there?

There's your chance!;-) "Not interested, thank you" and close the door. This doesn't just apply to Capita, though certainly more satisfying if it's them.

When I first moved (back) in the first person to call was from SKY (IIRC). "Not interested in TV as I haven't got one, but leave me detaails of your broadband.." The salesman continued his spiel and sure enough started on about the TV package. Ho hum.

The TVL site wanted email and phone number as well as name when I went to tell them I didn't need a licence, which meant they got nothing. Junk mail with 'The Occupier' on it means no effort on my part apart from carrying it straight to recycling along with the kebab shop leaflets.

DavidP24

Lovelyrita86 wrote: »

After moving to a new house 2 weeks ago I had a knock at my door yesterday. No introduction or ID shown. The guy just started asking questions. Did I live there? Had I just moved in? Do I have a tv? After refusing to answer to this stranger, he was very rude. Informed me he was here from sales team from tv licence and told me I was breaking the law having a tv with no licence and he would be completing the paperwork to take me to court. Feeling annoyed at his manner I told him to do what he had to do. Then he expected me to stand and give him my name and personal details. I ended up closing the door in his face.
I won't be paying for the licence. If I get anymore of the licence employees at my door I'll be doing the same with them.

I do not answer the door if I am not expecting a parcel or have an appointment, arranged for a friend to come around etc.

He will not be able to do anything unless you did actually have a TV, it was on, something live was playing, IF he plays it by the book. On youtube saw the case where they faked evidence (saying they saw eastenders) and it got thrown out of Court.

No, what is more likely is that he will be back.

It is standard practice for them NOT to identify themselves, they have the little data device and their opening line is "Are you the occupier", some try to make themselves look like meter readers.

If you do not have a door chain, get one. Also, have a hunt around for an old mobile phone with a decent camera, keep it charged and by the door. then when someone knock, look through doorview, whack that camera on and open door on chain.

Remember, without a warrant they have no right of access, even a bailiff has no right of access unless you have let them in before.

Also bear in mind that if TVL do get a warrant they bring Police, see the video on YouTube on how one you tell them to get lost if they do not have correct paperwork. It is one with a lot of Police and they talk via a window.

If you watch live TV get a license, otherwise make sure nothing is connected to any aerial or sat disk, feed the wire out of house and tie it up so it can't reach.

The next steps will be the fake letters, "what you will need in Court" etc, just to scare you, then a call with a card through door. The a gap, more letters, another card and so it goes on.

Norman_Castle

Lovelyrita86 wrote: »

Thanks cornucopia. I considered complaining but thought if I did this they would then have my details to chase me up about not having or paying for the licence? He left my door yesterday with no information other than I didn't have a licence. Is this enough for him to take action against me?

He knew you didn't have a licence before he knocked your door. Thats why he was there. To take action he needs convincing evidence that you watch or record live tv.

Cornucopia

DavidP24 wrote: »

Also bear in mind that if TVL do get a warrant they bring Police, see the video on YouTube on how one you tell them to get lost if they do not have correct paperwork. It is one with a lot of Police and they talk via a window.

There are only a tiny number of TVL warrants each year. Figures released under FOI, showed 6 for the whole of Sheffield for more than a year, for example.

On that basis, no one who is behaving legally need fear TVL warrants. At the same time, in the vanishingly unlikely situation of receiving one, it is a bad idea to obstruct it, which is a separate, more serious offence.

If the video you're referring to is the one I think it is, then the householder was prosecuted for obstruction - I know because I was in the public gallery. He was found guilty, but for a variety of reasons only fined £100. But, he is/was not a typical legally Licence free person, being a follower of "Freeman" nonsense.

Southsidebobby

I spend a lot of time away from home in my holiday park home. While I am away, no one uses the TV at my normal address. Do I need a separate license for my holiday home?

pappa_golf

only id the set is running from mains electric , battery powered (laptop to tv by hdmi etc) is covered by your licence