TV licence ****s
Discussion
I'm all for the TV licence, lets get that out of the way first. What I'm not for is representatives of the licensing body to turn up on my doorstep, ask is they had the correct address (they did), and then ask for my name. Before I gave the latter, I asked who he was and it was only then that he revealed his identity, with some offical looking card in a black wallet.
He then told me that the reason for his visit was that my house is on a register of properties that have no licence (which would be correct as I cancelled it several months ago). He asked me if my house was set up to watch television, which I answered it is (because I watch DVDs on my television, and because I watch recorded television on the iPlayer). He asked if he come come in and look at my system, which I told him he couldn't.
Out came the threats. "You are aware we can return with a warrant to enter your property?" My response was "fine, do that". As he left through the front gate, his parting words were "Ok we'll get the police". Mine was "fine."
How f
king insulting is that? I've paid the damn thing for nearly ten years, direct debit, but I realised recently that despite working in television, I don't sit at the sofa and watch it. In fact the last thing I watched on the television was the general election "leaders debates". Its no surprise therefore that I cancelled it. The television is about 12-13 years old and hence cannot receive digital terrestrial broadcasts. It was connected to a Virgin Media cable box, which is currently unplugged and doing nothing. It doesn't even have a card in its slot.
My only concern now is that they'll attempt to come back when I'm not here, and force entry into the house. Is this likely? The front door is 100 years old, I'd rather it not be damaged.
I fking loathe bullies.
He then told me that the reason for his visit was that my house is on a register of properties that have no licence (which would be correct as I cancelled it several months ago). He asked me if my house was set up to watch television, which I answered it is (because I watch DVDs on my television, and because I watch recorded television on the iPlayer). He asked if he come come in and look at my system, which I told him he couldn't.
Out came the threats. "You are aware we can return with a warrant to enter your property?" My response was "fine, do that". As he left through the front gate, his parting words were "Ok we'll get the police". Mine was "fine."
How f
king insulting is that? I've paid the damn thing for nearly ten years, direct debit, but I realised recently that despite working in television, I don't sit at the sofa and watch it. In fact the last thing I watched on the television was the general election "leaders debates". Its no surprise therefore that I cancelled it. The television is about 12-13 years old and hence cannot receive digital terrestrial broadcasts. It was connected to a Virgin Media cable box, which is currently unplugged and doing nothing. It doesn't even have a card in its slot.My only concern now is that they'll attempt to come back when I'm not here, and force entry into the house. Is this likely? The front door is 100 years old, I'd rather it not be damaged.
I f
king loathe bullies.They are pretty much toothless IIRC, it's all bluster on their part.
That said, though, why have you got a VM box? If you have cancelled your VM subscription it is supposed to be sent back to Virgin. Even without a card, they can pick up the basic 1-5 channels, if you get the box sent back to Virgin then they won't be able to accuse you of receiving live broadcasts? Just a thought, is all.
That said, though, why have you got a VM box? If you have cancelled your VM subscription it is supposed to be sent back to Virgin. Even without a card, they can pick up the basic 1-5 channels, if you get the box sent back to Virgin then they won't be able to accuse you of receiving live broadcasts? Just a thought, is all.
Parrot of Doom said:
He asked me if my house was set up to watch television, which I answered it is (because I watch DVDs on my television, and because I watch recorded television on the iPlayer).
I thought you needed a licence to view on iPlayer?Nevertheless, your first answer probably didn't do you any favours.
TonyHetherington said:
Parrot of Doom said:
He asked me if my house was set up to watch television, which I answered it is (because I watch DVDs on my television, and because I watch recorded television on the iPlayer).
I thought you needed a licence to view on iPlayer?Well, not yet anyway...
Mentioning iplayer may have shot yourself in the foot anyway I am afraid:
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
[/quote]
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/informa...
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
[/quote]
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/informa...
Sorry, I'm wrong; you do NOT need a licence for iPlayer;
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/playing...
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/playing...
GTSDave said:
Mentioning iplayer may have shot yourself in the foot anyway I am afraid:
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
Edited by davido140 on Thursday 14th October 14:07
davido140 said:
GTSDave said:
Mentioning iplayer may have shot yourself in the foot anyway I am afraid:
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/information/terms_conditions[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
I said nothing to him about iPlayer (hence that part being in brackets), but answered truthfully that yes, I was "set up" to watch television. Which I am.
The Virgin Media box is still here because frankly I really can't be bothered doing anything about it. It in a drawer in another room, very cold and off, with nothing plugged in, covered in dust.
I'm only worried about someone trying to force entry when I'm not here. If the police turn up they can happily have a look, I'll show them how I can watch television on the iPlayer without a licence. They'll struggle to watch anything on the main television downstairs though that isn't a DVD.
I genuinely haven't watched anything on that television since the general election.
The Virgin Media box is still here because frankly I really can't be bothered doing anything about it. It in a drawer in another room, very cold and off, with nothing plugged in, covered in dust.
I'm only worried about someone trying to force entry when I'm not here. If the police turn up they can happily have a look, I'll show them how I can watch television on the iPlayer without a licence. They'll struggle to watch anything on the main television downstairs though that isn't a DVD.
I genuinely haven't watched anything on that television since the general election.
GTSDave said:
davido140 said:
GTSDave said:
Mentioning iplayer may have shot yourself in the foot anyway I am afraid:
[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk/help/information/terms_conditions[quote=iPlayer Terms & Conditions]
3.2.2 If you do not have a valid television licence
You may not watch television programmes using BBC iPlayer on any device (including mobile phones, laptops and personal computers) at the same time (or virtually the same time) as the programmes are being broadcast, simulcast or otherwise made available to members of the public on television unless you have a valid television licence. For more information on this requirement please see Do I need a TV licence to watch programmes on BBC iPlayer? or you can contact TV Licensing by calling 0870 241 5590 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/.
I'm always amazed by the number of people who work in TV and yet hardly watch it at home (myself included, sorry, if my insurance company are reading this, I mean I work in IT, you know, with computers and such...)
They are thugs on a powertrip, pure and simple.
When I was in my first year at University me and my other male flatmate had to storm into our flat as our female flatmates were crying their eyes out as 2 tv licensing 'men' had forced their way in, threatened the girls with all sorts, and these girls not knowing the legalities of it all were genuinely scared. Ended up with Police round who took statements and a formal complaint was made against the TV licensing staff.
Disgusting.
When I was in my first year at University me and my other male flatmate had to storm into our flat as our female flatmates were crying their eyes out as 2 tv licensing 'men' had forced their way in, threatened the girls with all sorts, and these girls not knowing the legalities of it all were genuinely scared. Ended up with Police round who took statements and a formal complaint was made against the TV licensing staff.
Disgusting.
It may be worth calling 150 on your Virgin phone to ask them to send out the return envelope for the set top box; you can't simply sling it in a skip as it isn't yours, it's a rented device.
I mentally assign the title "Radio 4 service charge" to the TV license; that's the only way I can justify the cost really!
I mentally assign the title "Radio 4 service charge" to the TV license; that's the only way I can justify the cost really!
Wouldn't it just have been easier and saved all this worry if you'd initially replied "no, I cannot watch television, I have no receiver and only watch dvds".
Ok, so your reply was technically correct, but you knew what he was driving at and I bet you now wish you hadn't been a smarty-pants
http://www.bbctvlicence.com/ might be a useful read.
Ok, so your reply was technically correct, but you knew what he was driving at and I bet you now wish you hadn't been a smarty-pants
http://www.bbctvlicence.com/ might be a useful read.
aclivity said:
It may be worth calling 150 on your Virgin phone to ask them to send out the return envelope for the set top box; you can't simply sling it in a skip as it isn't yours, it's a rented device.
I mentally assign the title "Radio 4 service charge" to the TV license; that's the only way I can justify the cost really!
I just did this. I only ever had the most basic package anyway (the one with no premium channels), but I pay nothing for this. I asked the bloke on the phone if he wanted the box back, and he said to keep it.I mentally assign the title "Radio 4 service charge" to the TV license; that's the only way I can justify the cost really!
Also, something else in my defence - about 4-5 months ago (before I cancelled the licence IIRC) Virgin sent me a new card for the set top box. The old card was then disabled. That new card has been rolling around the boot of my car since it arrived, and has never seen the light of day, let alone a card slot. So I couldn't even watch the main television without a licence if I wanted to.
TuxRacer said:
At least you didn't let him in.
I'd make sure you have your aerial disconnected and maybe the TV channels tuned out perhaps, but no one should be entering your property without good reason - the fact you have a TV you use isn't good reason.
There are two tiled steps up to my front door, probably about 7 inches per step. When I opened the door he had his foot on one of them. wI'd make sure you have your aerial disconnected and maybe the TV channels tuned out perhaps, but no one should be entering your property without good reason - the fact you have a TV you use isn't good reason.
ker tactics.There's no point in tuning the television out, it hasn't been able to receive anything since they turned the analogue stations off earlier this year
Edited by Parrot of Doom on Thursday 14th October 14:25
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