TV Licence article Discussion

lavender

tripled wrote: »

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.

Thank you for your reply.

I bought a new rf Mod.digibox online which does not work. I do not know if I should send it back and ask for a replacement; postage paid by them or if I do need a colour licence for the B&W TV ask for my money back and use my redundant colour TV and an ordinary box I already have instead. The licence authority man said I do need a colour licence for the B&W telly, I think he is wrong so am in a delimmer.

paddy's_mum

If TVL were able to obtain a search warrant to enter my home to check whether or not I am watching tv, as I understand it they must attend with a police officer in tow in order to prevent a breach of the peace.

What I'm intrigued to know is what is TVL's status if I am not at home. Can they use the search warrant as justification to force entry in my absence? Anybody know ...?

vax2002

They dont need a search warrant, just deception and a cleverly worded contract/ confession and they get around 3/4 that way.
Just sign this long legal document love I have covered the top of up with another bit of paper and hid the joint with an elastic band and you wont have to go to court.......honest !

paddy's_mum

I don't own a tv, have no aerial, am fed up to the back teeth with the constant stream of threatening letters (and the little old ladies down my road gossiping that 'oooh, you'll never guess!.. Ethel saw a letter in postie's hand stating that "the authorities are opening an investigation into paddy's mum") and now a visit from TVL.

My only concern is whether a Search Warrant gives them the right to break in if I were away for any reason.

It's unbelievable how TVL operate and in my opinion, totally against the spirit of centuries of English law. I don't own a car either but nobody from DVLA threatens and harasses me that I haven't told them so. I don't own a fishing rod so why isn't the local River Authority hassling me?

To add insult to injury, I am supposed to write or phone TVL at my own expense to tell them of something that doesn't even exist and their response to all contact is that they will send an Officer anyway!

Perhaps this should be Martin Lewis's next campaign to right a wrong!

Swipe

paddy's_mum wrote: »

I don't own a tv, have no aerial, am fed up to the back teeth with the constant stream of threatening letters (and the little old ladies down my road gossiping that 'oooh, you'll never guess!.. Ethel saw a letter in postie's hand stating that "the authorities are opening an investigation into paddy's mum") and now a visit from TVL.

My only concern is whether a Search Warrant gives them the right to break in if I were away for any reason.

It's unbelievable how TVL operate and in my opinion, totally against the spirit of centuries of English law. I don't own a car either but nobody from DVLA threatens and harasses me that I haven't told them so. I don't own a fishing rod so why isn't the local River Authority hassling me?

To add insult to injury, I am supposed to write or phone TVL at my own expense to tell them of something that doesn't even exist and their response to all contact is that they will send an Officer anyway!

Perhaps this should be Martin Lewis's next campaign to right a wrong!

They do have the legal right to enter the property whilst you are out but this will NEVER happen and TVL state that they will not force entry to execute a search. Search warrants are only ever applied for if TVL have evidence that a TV is being used for receiving broast signals and are very rare indeed. You have absolutely nothing to worry about and I'd explain to the neighbours that a little gossip is worth it to save £145 a year when you don't legally require one. Carry on binning the letters unopened as they arrive and if the TVL man calls, do not entertain him, just tell him 'no thank you' and close the door. You do not have to justify to anyone that you do not require a licence.

System

They do have the right with a search warrant (and I believe that they may need police present to actually do the breaking in) to enter your house without you present. However they will shoot themselves in the foot. If you are not in the house, how can they get evidence that you are watching live broadcasts?

derrick

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.

Totally wrong, from their own site:-
"A black and white TV Licence does not cover the use of colour TV receiving equipment, such as a digital box. The only exception is if it's only used with a black and white TV set and the equipment can’t record TV."


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4justice

Cancelled my tv licence on 31.12.11, disconnected my Sky Box (even though legally I'm not obliged to as you can listen to radio without a licence); just had my first "you've cancelled your DD" letter; no doubt the first of many bullyboy tactics by the BBC. Shall apply for a refund but as they only refund to the nearest quarter I shall be ripped off there again. Do I miss it? No, funnily enough when I look at the BBC listings all I can think is "I was paying over £12 a month for that CRAP??".
The most annoying thing is that every time I buy anything I'm paying for advertising costs but the BBC says I can no longer watch the ads or the programmes they pay for. If the BBC leaves me alone, so be it but if BBC/Capita insist on trying to bully me into paying a new licence I'll keep demanding they compensate me:A

Thriftywiththecash

I am going to renting one room in an old almshouse, do I still need a TV licence?

Thriftywiththecash

Also I am only staying there for one month, what is the cheapest and most efficient way to go about it?