TV Licence article Discussion

Cornucopia

cw18 wrote: »

Having had a dig around the TVL website, I'd rather do my utmost to avoid watching while something is showing on Sky

Have we discussed this before?

That explanation and indeed the whole confusing use of the word "live" is just TVL misinformation. Whether it's classic incompetence on their part, or something more devious, it IS incorrect. (Actually, it could be a third thing, which is an overly literal interpretation of the legislation).

I'm not opposed to people being cautious where TVL are concerned - it makes absolute sense. However, I would like the info we are giving on the forum to be as accurate as possible, and in the complex scheduling world that TV operates in these days, it's simply neither practical or necessary to specially delay viewing catch-up content to create an artificial delay from the original broadcast.

Britannia12345

cw18 wrote: »

Oh, and I thought it worth mentioning.....


I delivered a load of letters from TVL today - all marked 'important information'. I hadn't delivered many of them before I realised they were going to houses with elderly occupants (based on those where I've met the occupants), so I'm guessing they were letters to those currently in receipt of an over-75 free licence to be sure they're aware of the possible/probable need to pay for one from June next year. I assume any of these free licences they issue from next week won't run for a full year because of it either.

That's terrible. The tone of some of the letters I've seen online look really scary. I wonder how many elderly people are going to be worried sick over these letters :mad:

Britannia12345

In the hooefully unlikely event of tvl obtaining a search warrant - what would they be looking for in the house? What would they be allowed to inspect?

Cornucopia

Britannia12345 wrote: »

In the hooefully unlikely event of tvl obtaining a search warrant - what would they be looking for in the house? What would they be allowed to inspect?

TVL Warrants are extremely rare - something like 100 of them for the entirety of England & Wales for a year. There are none in Scotland.

They are looking for installed TV receiving equipment. The legislation provides for them to "examine and test" it. There's no indication in the legislation that this translates directly to the offence, and they will normally seek to conduct an interview under caution after the search. Even under these circumstances, the interview is still voluntary. There is some question as to whether you even need to give them your name.

cw18

Britannia12345 wrote: »

That's terrible. The tone of some of the letters I've seen online look really scary. I wonder how many elderly people are going to be worried sick over these letters :mad:

Hopefully at this moment in time it's just making sure they're aware of the change, and advising them they'll still be able to get if they receive Pension Credit but will need to pay from June 1st 2020 if they don't. I reckon there are going to be a lot of new licences issued that day....

I might be able to get hold of one to check it out, as my parents are in receipt of a free licence (which they won't keep) and so is my fella's Mother (not sure on her circumstances, but she should have received this letter). I think he's going to see his Mum tomorrow, so I'll try and remember to ask him to see if she's got one (and get a photo or something if she has).

Silvertabby

cw18 wrote: »

Oh, and I thought it worth mentioning.....

I delivered a load of letters from TVL today - all marked 'important information'. I hadn't delivered many of them before I realised they were going to houses with elderly occupants (based on those where I've met the occupants), so I'm guessing they were letters to those currently in receipt of an over-75 free licence to be sure they're aware of the possible/probable need to pay for one from June next year. I assume any of these free licences they issue from next week won't run for a full year because of it either.

83 year old neighbour received such a letter yesterday. She's going to check to see if she qualifies for any savings element of pension credit, otherwise she will pay for her next licence. She's not IT savvy, and doesn't have the means to watch on catch up - plus it's unlikely that any of the programmes she likes ( mostly freeview channels) would be available that way.

As she says, she's lucky in that she can afford to pay - but I still think it would have been fairer for those already in receipt to carry on getting their licences 'free', and just charge those who reach 75 on or after a certain date (can't miss what you never had).

Britannia12345

I've just cancelled my licence but forgot it's Friday - not sure if tvl work at the weekends. Will I refunded for July? I pay quarterly.

Shall I cancel my direct debit now?

Cornucopia

Silvertabby wrote: »

...plus it's unlikely that any of the programmes she likes ( mostly freeview channels) would be available that way.

A lot of Freeview channel programs are available on free (ad-funded) catch-up.

Just off the top of my head:

- ITV Hub = ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITV Be.

- All4 = C4, E4, More 4, the occasional film from Film4, Walter Presents.

- My5 = C5, 5 Spike, 5 USA, Paramount.

- UKTV Player = Dave, Drama, Home, Yesterday and Really. (I think Home & Really are due to leave).

There are more than that, since My5 has a bundle of other content from various sources.

Cornucopia

Britannia12345 wrote: »

I've just cancelled my licence but forgot it's Friday - not sure if tvl work at the weekends. Will I refunded for July? I pay quarterly.

Shall I cancel my direct debit now?

I think as long as you have registered your instruction to cancel, they should honour your refund as of June 30th.

If it were me, I would cancel the DD, but it shouldn't make any difference.

Britannia12345

I think I've done it right - it said on the site message us to cancel your licence. I filled in all my details and it said I'd get a reply in 5 working days.