TV Licence article Discussion

GotToChange

I have not watched live TV for a couple of years, I informed The Authorities and all seemed well. Even though their confirmation letter of the situation advised me that an "Inspector" may call - if they did, I missed them.

We were quite late to switchover in this area and although it meant little to me, I purchased a set-top box for my mother, installed and tuned it quite simply.

I got it from Tesco and handed over my Clubcard as usual. Shortly afterwards, I receved mail from TV Licensing querying that the address (mine, that is) is unlicensed. The other odd thing is that they had reverted to using my married name - which is what my Clubcard is in (cba to change).

I phoned them up to explain and they asked of details of my mother's TV licence etc, which I was reluctant to give on principle. I also asked that they update their records (which would also be reverting to what they already knew) with my new/previous name. I think it is all a little too complicated for them as they sent another reminder/threat of visit letter.

I again called them, told them that I (still) don't need a licence but didn't bother to mention again the different name, so although they have accepted (and may visit to confirm) that I have no need for a licence, the name they have is "incorrect", so if one of their heavies shows up here and asks me if I am Mrs GTC, all I have to say is "No". Sorted.

The other gripe I have though is the whole sneaky manner in which Tesco (and other stores, I do know this) pass on the info to TVL - and yet, as in my case, they have not got all the facts and the few facts they do have, they cannot get straight.

victor2

It's not sneaky, they're required by law to do it. From tvlicensing.co.uk:

The Wireless Telegraphy Act 1967 (as amended) obliges retailers to notify TV Licensing of any sales or rentals of television sets. The Act specifies the type of information a retailer must record from someone who buys or hires a television set, which is then notified by the retailer to TV Licensing. Notification must take place within 28 days of the purchase or rental date. Failure to provide notification is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act.

GotToChange

victor2 wrote: »

It's not sneaky, they're required by law to do it. From tvlicensing.co.uk:

It's still sneaky though - and of course, they don't get their facts straight, as in this case.
Does no-body ever purchase a TV receiving item that is not for them?
I know that I have, as pointed out. I think that it is a shame that there is some reporting mechanism in place that supposes that poeple are trying to circumvent the system and treating them as guilty until proven innocent.
"Laws" are not alway moral.

victor2

I agree the law is a bit stupid in that case. I am doubtless one of many parents who have purchased a TV for children who are students and living somewhere else. The trader just complies with the law, even if the information they have is no longer valid. The customer gave it to them at some point in time, so they've passed on the details as the person who buys or hires a TV.
I vaguely remember paying cash at a store for a TV once and having to fill out a form giving my name and address. I could have put anything - the trader had no interest in checking it, he was just doing what was required.

GustyGardenGalaxy

victor2 wrote: »

It's addressed to the occupier, which your mother no longer is and they clearly know that. I'd just leave it there for whoever becomes the new occupier - it'll be up to them to sort out a licence.

Cheers, will do that.

Norman_Castle

It's still sneaky though - and of course, they don't get their facts straight, as in this case.
Does no-body ever purchase a TV receiving item that is not for them?
I know that I have, as pointed out. I think that it is a shame that there is some reporting mechanism in place that supposes that poeple are trying to circumvent the system and treating them as guilty until proven innocent.
"Laws" are not alway moral.

I think its a misuse of your clubcard details.

GotToChange

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I think its a misuse of your clubcard details.

Really?
IIIINteresting?

*scratches chin*

(Add that to the list of my grievances with Tesco.)

davidlizard

GustyGardenGalaxy wrote: »

A few weeks ago my mother (a pensioner) moved out of her old house and into a bungalow. Her old house is now empty and up for sale. Naturally she informed the TV licence people of her change of address.

At her old house a letter from TV Licensing has just been delivered that starts with:

"ignoring this letter could cost you a lot more than the licence fee ...... blah, blah. Maximum fine of £1000 - blah blah".

It's addressed to The Occupier.

No-one is in the house and no TV is being used there.

I'm thinking that she should just ignore this letter and leave it there for whoever buys the house. Or do I need to phone TV Licensing to query this?

You are under no obligation to tell the BBC (TVL is the name of the department which they use for revenue collection to try to disassociate "auntie" from the nasty licence collection, which they mostly subcontract to Capita plc) anything, whether you have a television or not.

If you do not require a licence, do not bother telling them this - they will pretty much accuse you of lying and demand access to your property.

Therefore do not waste the cost of a stamp or a phone call.

The BBC/TVL do like to overstate their authority when it comes to TV licencing - remember:

1. They have no right of access - they can only enter if they have obtained a warrant from court and executed in the presence of a uniformed police officer.

2. You do not have to say anything to them.

3. They cannot interview you under caution or any of the other nonsense they claim - they have as much authority as I do.

4. If you let them in, they have been known to make up evidence and get you to sign incriminating documents - there are people on here who have been tricked in such a way.

5. You do not require a licence for simply owning a TV - only for watching TV as it is broadcast.

Therefore ignore all correspondence. If they turn up on your doorstep, simply tell them to go away and shut the door. You are well within your rights to do so, and the BBC/TVL are fully aware of this.

(This info has all been stated in early posts, but I will repeat it here just in case).

lavender

On the phone advice of Switchover I have bought a more expensive rf modulator digi box for my black and white no scart socket TV because I don't want to pay nearly £100 extra for a licence to watch colour. I have been told I need a colour licence now I am using a non recording digi box. If this is the case I am livid as I have wasted more on a digi box than I need. I rang licences who after consulting someone the guy thought yes. If this is correct the government will rake in a huge sum fining its victims. Please comment. Martin please investigate.

tripled

lavender wrote: »

On the phone advice of Switchover I have bought a more expensive rf modulator digi box for my black and white no scart socket TV because I don't want to pay nearly £100 extra for a licence to watch colour. I have been told I need a colour licence now I am using a non recording digi box. If this is the case I am livid as I have wasted more on a digi box than I need. I rang licences who after consulting someone the guy thought yes. If this is correct the government will rake in a huge sum fining its victims. Please comment. Martin please investigate.

The TV licence permits you to watch or record TV as it is being broadcast. Unless your set-top box has a recording function, or has a display on it, then it is irrelevant. It is your viewing and recording equipment which determines which licence type you need. For example, if you had a VHS recorder that recorded in colour, or a set-top box that recorded in colour, but a black and white telly, I would suspect you would need a colour TV licence. However, as your set-top box doesn't record and you can't watch telly on it, it wouldn't count.

You need to be covered by a valid TV Licence if you watch or record TV as it's being broadcast. This includes the use of devices such as a computer, laptop, mobile phone or DVD/video recorder.