However, last week, my work received an attachment of earnings order with regards to this matter. Again, I rang the court and explained. I was told that if I was babysitting at that address, then I would be liable to prosecution for watching tv, even if I wasn't the tenant. I spent ages going over everything again, including that I had never even visited the town in question. The woman obviously didn't believe me, and even said that TV licensing had fast tracked the court case and it had come round full circle.
She said she would urgently email their intel and to ring Friday. On Thursday, I decided to ring TV Licensing myself and came across a very rude woman who said my name was on the letter and that I had to pay it or my boss would be arrested and that they didn't just come after innocent people. I told her that I had legally held a tv license at my current address for almost 18 years, paid from a joint account and that it could easily be checked via the electoral register, but she wasn't interested and said I would have to prove my innocence in a court despite it being over miles away.
She didn't agree that the law says you're innocent until proven guilty in this country. I rang the central court for the area in desperation and spoke to somebody else who said the woman the day before had just made notes on the account and had done nothing. I think she was listening to me, but I thought the woman a year ago was listening and here we are. Nobody will tell me any dates they were supposed to have spoken to me or where the intel is coming from, probably because they know they haven't got a leg to stand on, but I really can't afford to pay solicitors to fight this or see why I should attend court over miles away.
I have received no other letters at my home address since the first letter over a year ago and I'm not at my wits end with them. Some advice would be greatly appreciated. What we would normally recommend - and it sounds like you've done this - is to contact the court in question, explain the situation and ask to make a Statutory Declaration. This involves you explaining the situation to the court and swearing, on oath, that you have no knowledge whatsoever of the offence and you were not the person involved.
Doing that should wipe the slate clean. It might be worth your while getting to the court, despite the distance. Hi my ex partner has been fined 3 times by tvl. But on no occasion did she watch TV. Con in to signing a declaration. Only once was a coution given. Is they any thing she can do to prevent action taken in future.
I had a guy at the door today saying he' was from British Gas to read the meter. Advised him we were not with BG and he had the wrong house. I told him I didn't believe him as thought it was a con. Is it possible he was telling the truth? We don't watch live TV but we were watching something on Netflix at the time so he would've heard it from the living room down the hall. Should I now be expecting a search warrant? I don't have a TV or computer, but I do have an aerial lead in an old box full of leads and adapter plugs.
I've received many threatening letters from TV licensing telling me they'll get a search warrant. My question is do I need a TV licence? Should I just go out and get one, or maybe give the lead away to a charity shop or something to stop the threats? Is this a joke? You don't need a TV licence for an aerial lead. It is the act of TV reception that is licensable, not ownership or possession of the equipment to do so.
A TV licence is only required for those properties where equipment is used to receive or record "live" as broadcast TV programmes. Not a joke, sorry my knowledge of the law isn't too great. I thought maybe a TV aerial lead would be considered capable of receiving a live TV signal - the buggers might even tell the judge that is was essential for doing so.
Anyway, I think I'll just get a licence to be better safe than sorry. I don't want them coming in and going through my drawers and cupboards, TV or not. I am sorry to hear that you feel that way. Coerced into paying for a licence you don't legally need - it really is shameful that TV Licensing can act in such a manner. Best of luck. A simple question. If you do not need a TV licence are you legally obliged to make that deceleration or respond to any of their letters whatsoever?
Thanks for that, that's what I thought. I only wish the guy I spoke to when I phoned citizens advice was as well informed. I asked him exactly that question 3 times and all he would answer me was to make the declaration with TV licencing and how to do it, he would not give me an answer yes or no.
He either didn't have a clue or he was a budding politician. I would have respected him more if he told me he didn't know. Have now lost a bit of faith in the CAB. And sorry about spell checker, it was supposed to be "declaration" and not "deceleration" lol. Hello Chaps just wondering about some letters they keep sending..
This is a We Said We'd Call card and they're nothing new. By providing TV Licensing with information to which it's not entitled, you would be making it easier for them to personalise their threats and potentially set you up.
Hi I had an alleged officer at my door last week who produced a ID card however it did not look very professional nor did it have a photographic ID. He asked me how I used to pay which was direct debit, he asked if I would like to set up a new direct debit which I replied no am not handing over bank details on my door step. Are they legally allowed to ask you to sign a form for the wrong reason, baring in mind this was to say he had been there?
Hello Scott and thanks for your comment. The document said you'd been caught, even though you hadn't? Potentially you could have problems if he tells his bosses the same story.
Some TV Licensing goons do, as a matter of routine, tell lies to their bosses and the courts. Sadly you might not know if they're going to attempt further action for several months. Hi,is a JP issued warrant legally enforceable if the door is closed,ie can they break in,thank you.
Legally speaking, a warrant granted to TV Licensing does authorise forced entry to a property if necessary. However, TV Licensing has its own policy never to force entry. If they tried to execute a warrant and there was no response, they would simply return some other time. In Scotland a warrant is valid for 30 days from the date it is granted. That said, TV Licensing search warrants are exceptionally rare. I have long been bothered by the threat of having to open my home to a stranger without any notice.
It grates on me that I am considered guilty until proven innocent. I am socially anxious and feel daily anxiety at the prospect. So much so that I asked a local police officer for clarification of the law; He told me 'TVL do not need a warrant to enter addresses where it is believed a crime may be being commited. Probable cause means that police can enter properies to do TVL inspection if they 'believe' it is necessary.
He didn't mention any requirement for evidence to support that belief. Is this true? I just know someone will call while my boyfriend is tied naked to the coffee table! No, it certainly is not true. TV Licensing, categorically, does not have the legal right to enter a person's property without their permission save for the highly unlikely instance they have a warrant, which they won't.
The police officer misled you. Please read the post above carefully. Do they always write first before they send a goon out? It does happen, as demonstrated by the fact people are prosecuted if their licence expired only a few days earlier. I wouldn't say it was very common - maybe one case in every twenty. As with all goon visits, you are far more likely to get one in a densely-populated area rather than out in the wilds. I do not therefore need a TV license, but if the licensing officers were to enter my home or obtain a warrant to do so, would I be likely to be fined?
The television is not plugged into the satellite, but it would be hard to prove either way that I did or did not watch live television or iPlayer. The onus is on them to prove that you do receive TV programmes or iPlayer programmes without a valid licence. As long as you stick to the line that your TV set is unplugged and for DVDs only, then you should be okay.
TV Licensing is dishonest. They might pretend to have evidence against you, even if they do not. They do that in the hope you'll simply roll over and accept your fate. No, you don't. If put "DAB radio" into the search bar top of page you'll see we've previously written about this. I have been tv license free for just over a year as I only watch DVDs.
Today I was watching a DVD when a man walked up my garden lane. My tv can be seen from the window, but as he simply pushed a leaflet through my letter box, I assumed it was yet another takeaway menu. However, I have just looked at it and found it to be from Tv Licensing. They say they called and missed me the visitor did not knock my door The leaflet says they are rearranging a visit to my home and will obtain a search warrant if necessary.
I know the law has changed recently, so should I contact tv licensing and arrange a visit and do I need to purchase a tv license to stop their visits? I sincerely hope that watching DVDs is not illegal without a licence. Don't be too concerned by TV Licensing's calling card - it might not have even been a TV Licensing person that dropped it in could have been G4S, which is sub-contracted to push these through doors.
Please see our free ebook for more info. I have just been visiting my girlfriends house when a TVL cretin turned up with a warrant, l refused him entry, refused to give my name and informed him l do not live at this property. The police officer " assisting " blurted out the name of the landlord who my girlfriend has rented the property from recently.
The cretin wrote down this name. Will this suffice in them not returning as she is now terrifeid And will the landlord get into any trouble as he does not live here clearly.
I am currently at my girlfriend house and a TVL cretin turned up with a warrant. I did not let him in, l also did not give my name but the police officer " assisting " him blurted out the name of my Gf's landlord.
I asked what possible proof or evidence he had l was the landlord and he had none. My Gf who has only recently moved in will now be getting a tv licence.
Will this now stop them calling and also will my Gf's landlord be in trouble? The warrant is for a property, not an individual - by refusing them access you have committed an offence, not your girlfriend or her landlord. The fact they were executing a warrant indicates that they have insufficient evidence against the landlord.
As they've been unable to execute the warrant, they still have insufficient evidence against the landlord. As tenant it is your girlfriend's responsibility to make sure the property has a TV licence if one is needed. Please download and read our free ebook - it has the answer to many more questions.
I have been receiving letters now for two years and up to now it said legal occupier but the last letter had my full name how have they got this. I don't watch or have a tv I ignore all letters from them. I just totally ignore them, no problems No communication what so ever.
Just post back to sender all documentation and ignore them when they visit, job done! Video them and post it on the net. Take pictures of the car they drive and post it on the net.
I will never buy a TV liecence. I have not ever owned 1 and i am First of all I would like to say thank you for the existence of a site like this. It has helped me be more calm and relaxed about about the harassment I get from Tv licensing. Since first finding this site years ago, I feel fine about treating all their communication as junk mail and have comfortably found the right order of things, which is they are simply salespeople with very bizarre and warped sales pitches.
Anyway, for the first time, last week they made a visit whilst I was out and now sent a letter with the name that was on the door. Whilst I totally disagree with the arrogant, rude and assumptive attitude they always keep, I was considering calling them only to say my address doesn't require a licence. However I don't then want to get into a discussion about my personal details or have to state they can never enter my home if they want to visit.
I was wondering as I'm in Scotland, are they as aggressive as the stories from down south? Would a call not be a quick and harmless way to make them stop?
Oh yes- the letter said they're opening an investigation, which means another investigation, on top of the investigation they already had?!?! Thanks for your comment and kind words Anon. TV Licensing has no legal business with these people and they should not be doing TV Licensing's work for it.
If you contact TV Licensing you might get a few months respite, but you can guarantee they will be back to their menacing enquiries within the space of a year.
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I agree. It was just a temporary lapse in my judgement. Upon reflection, I do recall how they are very much like a brick wall. Best regards. Hi Guys , Thanks for all your posts, I have learned a hell o a lot from it You know what the worst thing I myself have found, well I live in a high rise block of flats, and been in the same flat before my recent move for 8 years, had all the Red Letters, " Dear Occupant " , you know the ones!
Now the worst thing I could have done!! Knock on the front door, I looked through the spy hole, yes, " A Goon " , who I thought was a religious person.
The moral of my story is,,, the worse thing I did was to actually be honest when I moved in and got licensed, if I could go back 4 months i'd deffo do it the old way!!!!! The house where I live is divided into two flats - A which is fully licensed and B which is also fully licensed. There is no part of the property which is not contained within one of these two flats and therefore no part of the property which is unlicensed. TV Licensing have now sent a threatening letter to "The Present Occupier" at presumably meaning the whole house threatening a visit from their Enforement Officers, despite having been previously told that both flats are licensed.
What is the legal position here? Also, have I any redress against TV Licensing for fabricating an address and then demaning a licence for it, and how can I persuade them to remove this fabricated address from their database.
He tried to step foot in to "see if I needed a licence by viewing my equipment ohhhh matron I refused him entry and he left stating he would be back??! Can a warrant be obtained without my name? I have been without a TV for nearly 20 years and I haven't used Iplayer since the rules changed in But I still get letters nearly every month about TV inspectors, with threats and over the top scare tactics.
I even got one this morning warning I have '10 days to reply' If you added up the cost of the letters and postage over the years it must be hundreds of pounds- multiply that across the UK and you can see how the license money is being squandered. My monthly threatening letter arrived yesterday. It was signed by John Hales. Poor fellow, he has been signing these threat-o-grams for years and years and no notice of promotion yet. Is there some way of finding out how much these clowns spend on letters?
Bulk postage rates should apply. BTW they write in their letter that they visit an average of 10, addresses a day. That must cost a bit. The resistance continues! Thanks very much for this site. Frankly, I still am even more so having read your site, actually , but I am considering going for it anyway as I resent paying the money every month for nothing.
I have a few questions, if you don't mind answering - apologies if these are answered elsewhere on the site, I have read quite a lot of it but not all. What would happen if TV Licensing did visit my premises with a search warrant while I was out of the country? My post would be forwarded to a family member who would notify me of it via e-mail, but I assume they don't write to arrange a date for the warrant visit.
Or would I have an option to ask for the case to be deferred until my return? As in point 1, I have my post redirected to a relative who would scan the summons and e-mail it to me, possibly after a few days' delay. I live in a second floor flat so I can't easily see who is at the door.
Does this mean there's a risk of being accused of unintentional obstruction if TV Licensing did visit with a warrant? I would probably not answer the door, just as I wouldn't for any unexpected caller. Would I have some kind of genuine warning that they intended to apply for a warrant, so that I could change my door answering habits?
Not that I think I should have to, but I guess that has nothing to do with it. I think it is a communal aerial for the whole block of flats, and in any case it is probably owned by the freeholder of the building - I am a leaseholder, so I don't own the building.
I would ensure there was no cable from the aerial socket in my flat to the back of my TV or DVD player. Thanks in advance for your help! Hello Steve and thanks for your comment. I am not in a position to reply in detail at the moment, but if you check back late this evening I will have done.
Hello again Steve. Your questions revolve very heavily around search warrants. These are incredibly rare and you really shouldn't be too concerned about them.
If you search our blog you will find much more on the issue of warrants. This post may be of particular interest. Turning to each of your questions in turn: 1. Suppose TV Licensing hypothetically tried to execute a warrant when you were overseas, all that would happen is that they'd see there was no response and they would leave with the intention of executing the warrant some other time.
The warrant technically allows forced entry, but it is TV Licensing policy not to exercise that option. In England and Wales a warrant is valid for one entry within one calendar month. If they were unable to achieve that they would either abandon the warrant entirely or have to seek a fresh warrant. Even if they did hypothetically manage to enter the property in your absence, they would not be able to obtain any evidence of TV licence evasion against you.
They can only do that if you are present in the property. If you were overseas then you would not be compelled to return. You would simply get in touch with the court, explain the circumstances and a new hearing date would be set. You can't be guilty of obstructing a warrant you don't know about, so if they only announced their presence by knocking at the door then you could reasonably say "I didn't know it was them and I always ignore unsolicited callers at the door".
That defence obviously wouldn't hold so well if they were shouting through the letterbox and you were within earshot. It is TV Licensing policy to normally warn the occupier of an unlicensed property if a warrant is being considered, however, they don't always do that. You are under no legal obligation to modify your equipment in any way at all.
Disconnecting all external aerial leads is a prudent precaution, but even that is not necessary. All that matters is that you are not actually receiving TV programmes or iPlayer on-demand without a valid TV licence. Hope that all helps. Thank you, I didn't expect such a prompt response; it's very helpful. I am currently building up my nerve and will probably cancel my licence this weekend on the TVL website.
I looked after my Dad for years until he passed away in February. Because he liked TV and live sports I had a license and a subscription to Sky.
It turns out I don't so I've let the TV license lapse. The Sat box is still connected and I use it mainly to listen to radio. It also has apps for Netflix and Amazon that I'll occasionally use.
The second TV is in the bedroom, again tuned to the radio and I listen to this in the mornings. Do I have to get a license? Technically speaking, if you're only using a TV set to listen to radio stations and never "live" broadcast TV programmes or BBC iPlayer on-demand then you do not legally need a TV licence. The average TV Licensing goon will not understand this particular aspect of the legislation. If ever challenged by TV Licensing you would have to be very clear about your radio-only circumstances, otherwise they probably would attempt to prosecute.
I recently cancelled my TV licence, and on the website it says I could request a refund. So I specified a refund to New Year I applied for the refund in early November and I included evidence - utilities bills of that period to confirm my residence.
So I did not receive a reply from the customer service department as to whether or not to grant the refund. So after six weeks of silence, I rang them and asked why my refund had not been processed. They said it was because I did not specifically state that I did not watch 'streamed tv' I watch dvds and box-sets on Now TV only. So I wrote them a letter of formal complaint asking them why they had a customer service department when they did not actually perform that role according to my refund letter in addition to again requesting a refund.
The refund was only granted to three months refund and not back dated any further, and the formal complaint was not responded to. Consequently, one week after being offered the refund, I get my first threatening letter advising 'dear occupier, we will start our investigation on the 27th December.
Your situation is very typical. The current Government - just like those before and those to follow - has no interest whatsoever in overturning TV Licensing laws. Apologies if this question has been asked before; We have a couple of old televisions none of which are used to watch live TV or iPlayer. The BluRay was capable of showing iPlayer by going through the menus but that was pre-sign in. That's been disconnected and switched off although is still in situ in the loft.
Likewise the TV is not physically plugged in to the RF socket on the wall downstairs. Our main TV died yesterday so it looks like we'll need to buy a new one. Few questions; If we buy a new TV from a high street retailer will they inform TV licensing I understand they used to?
If I never tune the TV would that be a fair defence should charges be brought? Finally, is there any sense, if TV Licensing Goons call, in letting them in and showing them my setup?
I would film the whole lot but it would seem to nip any charges and search warrants in the bud.. Would be very interested and grateful in any answers or comments as this seems like a minefield for someone who doesn't watch live tv or BBC iPlayer and just wants to be left alone!! Addressing each question in turn: If we buy a new TV from a high street retailer will they inform TV licensing I understand they used to?
They shouldn't, as there is no longer any legal requirement to do so. That indeed would be a defence, however, you do not want to end up in the situation where that defence has to be tested.
Keep TV Licensing out. I really don't know the answer to this. It shouldn't make any difference, given that dealers no longer report sales to TV Licensing. I do not know of any, but don't claim to be an expert on the equipment side of things. It is perfectly okay to use a normal TV set as a monitor, but it is sensible to take the precaution of disconnecting the aerial lead. Personally, I would never allow them voluntary access. As a legitimate non-viewer you do not need to prove anything to TV Licensing or jump through its hoops.
The best option is to ignore TV Licensing entirely and tell it nothing. Even friendly TV Licensing goons have the ability to stick the occupier in the back. Thanks for that!! Some things to think about and certainly, not letting anyone in unless you have to seems sensible when you put it like that and that's good to know re: no legal requirement for retailers to pass on details.
Hi, Thanks for the information on this site. Like another poster, I was disappointed that Citizens' Advice had so little knowledge of this widespread problem. I have only ever had a TV license for one year, 9 years ago, and have never bought a television. I have angrily complied with the TVL's increasingly frequent and threatening demands for me to declare my innocence, most recently in January when I verbalised my resentment of this harassment over the phone.
In February I received a letter telling me TVL have opened an investigation, as if my telephone confirmation had not taken place. I ignored this letter. Today I received another one telling me they are going to visit me. To explain my circumstances, I am a young, single woman living and working alone from my home as a self-employed tutor. I see students of all ages including young children sometimes with their parents at various times each weekday.
I also suffer from depression and anxiety which is particularly bad at the moment , and I rarely answer the door to unexpected callers I have a sign in the window saying 'lessons in progress'.
It's partly my fear of confrontation per se, but it would also be professionally really embarrassing. I have worried about this on a daily basis for some time now, and more so now they appear to be ramping things up.
If they get a search warrant it will look to my clients who often wait outside in their cars as if I'm being done for something serious. Even having the heavies visit me for suspected license evasion however erroneous would look really bad. I also feel anxious about having a stranger go through my house with me here alone which I always am. I feel I can't cope with this ongoing situation, especially as I know it will just go on and on whether I respond or not.
So although I agree with the principle of not responding, and I'm heartily sick of having to think about a product and organisation that have no meaning in my life except this very negative one , I'm feeling really vulnerable here.
Any advice for me on this? Many thanks! Hi There, Thank you for making this blog, it is amazing! Which means you can ask them and they have to comply and show compliance. Data here means Personally Identifiable Data. The right of access. The right to rectification. The right to erasure. The right to restrict processing. The right to data portability. The right to object.
Rights in relation to automated decision making and profiling. Even if there are say 10, Such requests, they will have to provide so much paperwork and spend so much money in stamps to mail a copy for that data that they will soon be bankrupt! The potential fines are substantial and a good reason for companies to ensure compliance with the Regulation. Request the Blog Owner to make an article on this, and some visitors with some time and a bit of patience to drag these buggers to court.
So does this mean I'm exempt? Your friend. If you only ever watch pre-recorded media then you do not legally require a TV licence. Hello, does an iPad, with the facility to watch on demand services including BBC i-player require a licence? If so, and the iPad actually belongs to my employer, and they have a licence which covers their television at work , what are the rules regarding me using the iPad for on demand tv at locations other than my place of work?
Many thanks in anticipation. If you actually use the iPad to watch TV programmes on any channel, or BBC iPlayer on-demand, then legally the property you are using it in needs to be covered by a valid TV licence.
That is the case even if someone else owns the device you are using and that person or entity has their own TV licence. Post a Comment. Why we're here: This blog is to highlight the unjust persecution of legitimate non-TV users at the hands of TV Licensing. These people do not require a licence and are entitled to live without the unnecessary stress and inconvenience caused by TV Licensing's correspondence and employees. If you use equipment to receive live broadcast TV programmes, or to watch or download on-demand programmes via the BBC iPlayer, then the law requires you to have a licence and we encourage you to buy one.
If you've just arrived here from a search engine, then you might find our Quick Guide helpful. TV Licensing's rules of conduct state: "TV Licensing can only enter your home without your permission if authorised to do so under a search warrant granted by a magistrate or sheriff in Scotland.
Active Resistance to the TV Licence, an online campaign group, said search warrants were possible but very rare. A spokesperson said: "Withdrawal of implied right of access WOIRA is a useful tool for people who are likely to be intimidated into signing confessions. If TV Licensing can't knock on a door to try conducting enquiries, they might consider an application to a court for a search warrant.
Although part of TV Licensing's 'deterrent' strategy is to make people believe they are more common than they really are. This was agreed with the Government as part of the licence fee settlement. A TV Licensing spokesperson said: "Of , households in Northern Ireland, requests were received last year to withdraw the right of access for enquiry officers to visit. Legal loophole being used by hundreds to keep TV Licensing from their door. Close A licensing inspector. Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp.
I was told by letter the inspector was reprimanded and moved to other duties until he could under go further training. It is sorted and I pay over the internet by payment card, still get harassed as their payment update system is flawed and takes about 7 days to update, not the 48 hours they claim. If you cancel the DD and want to pay the balance off for the annual TV licence upfront, you cannot do so.
You need to wait for 2 months until you have used up the credit. How daft is that? Search In. All Activity Home Retail and Non-retail Goods and Services Retail Subforums Digital TV Services TV Licensing TV licensing - reading of rights by tv license man Announcements Twitter - Include the company's twitter name in your post title — here's why… Google call recording app Car dealer who sold death traps and forged court papers Are you going to pay your builder or your second-hand car dealer in cash or with a bank transfer?
As Failed to Notify within One Month. Mortimer Clarke old CJJ. Fault in Used Car. Vanquis Lowell Court Date Set. Companies without postal address. So it was a waste of honeybee's time looking for information you already knew? Well of course! Yet you smugly say it "was already known to me. What a waste of time. Need urgent help to resolve this situation.
The knowledgeable Benefits Adviser, seemed to believe that when the ESA payments were stopped, once reinstated, any ESA payments owed to me, would be offset against overpayments. I called the DWP and asked for the decision to be looked at again. When I called the DWP a month later in November 21, I was told that my request to have the decision looked at it again, has been rejected. Can anyone advise?
So it looks as if the free information available is no help to you. Some good news. The tpdo was only for 1 bank. Yet some transfers came from my parachute bank account - which would be shown in statements. Alternatively would all certified info from hmrc - benefit, covid grants, pension and tax return - be enough as evidence of all the income received over the last tax year?
Benefits I continue to get monthly. Silly - sols costs are going to be more than are ever recoverable via the tpdo. Second hand car developed fault. Blue Motor Finance. Sorry, I had misunderstood.
I had thought that it was they who were the authors of 8 November letter. So it seems that they gave themselves there a week from 6 December.
Even though they were advised of the issue a month earlier. They have been trying to dodge the issue by trying to rely on the dealers warranty which effectively makes the dealer or the provider of the warranty liable rather than themselves. I take it the you have sent them your independent inspection? You haven't made that clear. If you have then I would suggest the following letter: Have a look at that, see if it is correct, see if you are happy to sign it off and then put it in the post recorded delivery — or email it to them with a written confirmation.
Sueing the BBC Picked By BankFodder , December 18, Picked By stu , December 17,
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