TV Licence article Discussion

scrimperjan

I don't watch much TV so I'm tempted to opt out of the licence fee and only watch catchup, but with so many variations of the same channels showing repeats on freeview, how am I supposed to know that something isn't being shown on TV while I'm watching it online? Sooner or later I'm sure I would inadvertently watch something at the same time as it's being broadcast as a repeat.

Cornucopia

scrimperjan wrote: »

... Sooner or later I'm sure I would inadvertently watch something at the same time as it's being broadcast as a repeat.

It doesn't work like that - if your programme is being delivered to you by a catch-up service, then that is that. It is not a TV broadcast, irrespective of what is being shown on TV channels at the same time.

TVL rarely actually see evasion going on and they rely mainly on confession evidence (gained through fair means and foul).

If you don't want to be asked impertinent questions about your viewing habits, don't speak to them - there is no obligation whatsoever to do so.

falcieri

With regards to lodgers the new law states that if you have your own tenancy agreement you have to have your own licence to watch in your own bedroom. I have NEVER lived in a houseshare with or without a landlord that didn't have a tenancy agreement of some sort since even live in landlords are encouraged to take them out with lodgers whether they have locks on their doors or not. I have lived in three houses with live in landlord/owners and I had seperate tenancy agreements with all of them so unless you don't have an agreement you will still be expected to get your own.

Cornucopia

That's not quite what the TVL website says, I don't think. Though as usual it all seems more complicated than is absolutely necessary, and TVL are not particularly good at explaining it...

You'll need a TV Licence

- If you have a separate tenancy agreement for your room

Each tenant needs their own TV Licence if they watch or record TV. This licence will also cover the communal areas.

- If you have a joint tenancy agreement

One TV Licence may cover the whole house. However, there may be other reasons why you need your own separate licence, such as whether or not you have exclusive access to a toilet or washing facilities. If you are unsure whether this applies to your particular circumstances please contact us (in step 2 of the form click the 'Contact us' button at the bottom)to find out more information.

You don't need a TV Licence

- If you’re a lodger and have a relationship with the homeowner – for example, a family member, common law partner, a nanny, au pair or housekeeper

You’re covered by the homeowner’s TV Licence if they have one, provided you live in the same building. If you live in self contained accommodation such as a separate flat or annex you need your own separate licence.

gwenharvey

For over thirty five years I have never owned a television set, therefore no licence, no aerial etc., and have no means of receiving live television programmes. Will this fact mean that I still have to obtain a television licence to use the iplayer only periodically.
Many thanks for any replies.

Cornucopia

gwenharvey wrote: »

For over thirty five years I have never owned a television set, therefore no licence, no aerial etc., and have no means of receiving live television programmes. Will this fact mean that I still have to obtain a television licence to use the iplayer only periodically.
Many thanks for any replies.

Yes. If you watch TV from iPlayer Live or Catch-up, you'll need a Licence from 1 Sep 2016.

Other channels' catch-up services are not affected and can still be used without a Licence.

Emphino

Hey guys, just a quick question. I haven't read through all these posts (too many trolls.)

I don't have a TV licence i refuse to pay it. I don't have sky, free view, I don't think my aeiral on top of the house works, never checked it. My concern is that I have the internet and thus have access to BBC iplayer.
Do i need to pay for a TV Licence. I strictly do not use iplayer or anything to do with the BBC.
Last time they contacted me. I told them to stop sending me post because i was starting to feel harrassed.

[Deleted User]

Emphino wrote: »

Do i need to pay for a TV Licence. I strictly do not use iplayer or anything to do with the BBC.

No, you don't need a licence.

A licence is only required, if you watch/record live TV programmes, or, from 1st September, catchup programmes from the BBC.

Last time they contacted me. I told them to stop sending me post because I was starting to feel harassed.

You are wasting your time, telling them anything.

Simply ignore all communications from them.

Cornucopia

Emphino wrote: »

I don't have sky, [don't have] free view, My concern is that I have the internet and thus have access to BBC iplayer.
Do i need to pay for a TV Licence. I strictly do not use iplayer or anything to do with the BBC.

You need to add one more statement to the above for you not to need a Licence: "I don't watch any live streaming of any UK-based TV channel over the Internet".

The Licence enables you to watch or record TV channels that are broadcast over-the-air, conventionally (i.e. Freeview, Satellite or Cable), their Internet-streamed equivalents, and BBC iPlayer.

If you never do any of the above, you don't need a Licence.

Kazzywonder

Hya, the TV Licence website says "A halls’ licence doesn’t cover students in their rooms. They won’t be covered by their parents’ licence either, unless they only ever use devices that are powered solely by their own internal batteries, and aren’t plugged into an aerial or the mains".

So does this actually mean that if my Son only uses his laptop battery, then he can watch what he wants & doesn't have to get a Licence? He doesn't actually watch any Live or On-Demand TV, only films via Netflix etc.

Many thanks