TV Licence article Discussion

dekaspace

I had one last year, funnily enough I no longer watch tv I just stream because I used to have free sky tv and when that ran out I noticed I was just watching constant repeats on ITV2 and E4 and not much else which I could easily get online. When I let the guy in I outright showed him I had a capture card (with no aerial attached) and turned on tv in living room to show nothing tuned in, he said he could see a aerial wire at back of tv on floor that was under other wires therefore could be used, and wanted to have one more visit, really annoyed me.

Cornucopia

The problem is that they fundamentally don't believe that people can live without live TV Channels. However, the evidence is that they increasingly can.

I think TVL's approach on this is fundamentally wrong-headed. Their own figures are contradictory:

"A TV Licensing spokesperson said: "Fewer than 2 per cent of households don’t need a licence..."

But

"An enquiry officer may call at the address to verify the situation. TV Licensing visit a sample of homes to confirm there is in fact no television being used [sic] as, when we make contact on these visits, a fifth of people visited are found to require a TV Licence".

So 2% of the overall population don't need a licence, but 80% of the households they visit don't need one. Hmmm.

-taff

I had the aerial taken off the roof when some work was done to the chimney so good luck to any visiting'enforcement' officers...

silverwhistle

Oooh, I've had a new communication format delivered by the postie: a little red card which opens up. More misinformation as it looks like one of those cards they leave if you are not in to take a delivery. It states "Card Delivered" then "By Hand " with a mock handwriting font.

Then three mock ticked boxes 'urgent response required', Telephone lines open etc..' and 'Website available'


The usual BUMPH inside about 'escalating our investigation' by a certain date, which as my GF observed, from numerous previous communications, was not truthful!


Anyway, I'm prepared to tell them the truth that I've never owned (possessed, borrowed, hired, had use of...) a colour telly, but I still won't be revealing any names..

Ego_Shredder

I wish I could say, "if I find evidence of you transmitting TV signals or programme content into my property I will sue you".

cw18

silverwhistle wrote: »

Anyway, I'm prepared to tell them the truth that I've never owned (possessed, borrowed, hired, had use of...) a colour telly, but I still won't be revealing any names..

But do you have a laptop or smartphone or any other device that has the capability to stream, and access to the internet. If so, then you could be watching something that requires a licence.....






I'm not suggesting that you do, purely stating that not having a TV in the house isn't enough of a defence for not needing one these days. I have 3 TVs, but still don't need one as I only use them for Netflix, Prime, NowTV and watching DVDs. I don't even use catch-up services from ITV etc which are also allowed.

silverwhistle

cw18 wrote: »

But do you have a laptop or smartphone or any other device that has the capability to stream, and access to the internet. If so, then you could be watching something that requires a licence......

Of course, but never having a TV rather underlines the unimportance I put on the medium, and watching on a small phone when I could easily afford a TV seems a bit desperate and rather a masochistic exercise.

Dibdab01

I find it hard to believe that they cannot change the information alot quicker on their system when people have passed away. Especially when all the info was passed to them as they requested straight away as needed.

They have since got back to me to say that they are extremely sorry and are sending some sort of good will gesture apparently - but nothing has arrived that I've seen. Also a refund of over payments that I had made just out of habit though have not seen that as yet either.

I enjoy and much prefer to listen too Music and read a good Book. Just a shame they can't believe anyone who genuinely can survive without the Propaganda Box in the corner of the room.

Thanks for all the info and help and will update you if the issue turns out to be unresolved still down the line...

[Deleted User]

cw18 wrote: »

But do you have a laptop or smartphone or any other device that has the capability to stream, and access to the internet. If so, then you could be watching something that requires a licence.....






I'm not suggesting that you do, purely stating that not having a TV in the house isn't enough of a defence for not needing one these days. I have 3 TVs, but still don't need one as I only use them for Netflix, Prime, NowTV and watching DVDs. I don't even use catch-up services from ITV etc which are also allowed.

Just because my phone is capable of watching iPlayer does not mean I HAVE to buy a licence in case I download the app and watch it even if I didn't own a TV.

It is still for TVL to PROVE that I am watching TV broadcasts and iPlayer, not for me to prove I'm not.

dan958

Dibdab01 wrote: »

I enjoy and much prefer to listen too Music and read a good Book. Just a shame they can't believe anyone who genuinely can survive without the Propaganda Box in the corner of the room..

Besides, when you have a hobby such as making tin foil hats, who needs a TV?


I received one letter once I moved into my new home regarding a TV licence, and havent heard anything since/ I'm sure they will evwntually start hounding me again, but I don't require a TV licence.