Discussion
This year we have decided not to pay for the tv license as we don't watch any programs on it, tv is being used just for dvd's .
We do have a active arial and there is a arial cable on floor which is not connected to tv. I am going to put some tape around the connection in case if inspector comes in.
I can't take the arial down as we are in rental property, is there anything else i can do to assure inspector that we are not using it? I heard sometimes they can still fine if there is an active connection in the property. Does it mean if it connected to tv?
We do have a active arial and there is a arial cable on floor which is not connected to tv. I am going to put some tape around the connection in case if inspector comes in.
I can't take the arial down as we are in rental property, is there anything else i can do to assure inspector that we are not using it? I heard sometimes they can still fine if there is an active connection in the property. Does it mean if it connected to tv?
randlemarcus said:
Probably best to ask permission from the landlord to remove the termination from the cables as as first point. Second point would be to not let Capita into your house. Let them prove that you are watching, not that you are not watching.
just looked at behind the tv and there are two cables hook with the white box, one is for arial and other one is for sky dish. I think i can remove both cables plus sky box.I decided not to renew my TV License about 2 years ago when I realised that I didn't watch it. I have a satellite dish on the side of the house, although I don't have a box connected to it (cancelled Sky subscription at the same time).
All I did was fill in the form saying that I don't need one. Capita then sent me a letter saying thanks, just make sure you're not watching TV and that has been the limit of my communication with them.
I think if you send them the forms/ do it online then they should just leave you alone.
All I did was fill in the form saying that I don't need one. Capita then sent me a letter saying thanks, just make sure you're not watching TV and that has been the limit of my communication with them.
I think if you send them the forms/ do it online then they should just leave you alone.
0000 said:
They should. They'll probably either leave you alone or hound you forever, I've never worked out how to influence that.
As above though, don't let them in, it won't help.
Fortunately I am in the former category, however I am sure my mutterings would have a few more swear words if I was in the latter category.As above though, don't let them in, it won't help.
Welcome to the world of being licence-free! I've been (legally) licence-free for about five years now. There are a few things which may be helpful:
1) Write to them and tell them you don't want a licence as you do not receive a live broadcast signal any more.
2) You aren't required to change anything at your home, although I have removed my aerial & satellite cables as I don't need them.
3) TV Licensing (TVL/Capita) will leave you alone for 2 years, then they'll put you on the 'threatogram' list.
4) You're under absolutely no legal obligation to speak to TVL ever again, even if they knock at the door.
5) Some people will tell you to remove the 'implied right of access' (WOIRA). This is a bad idea and totally unnecessary.
I've been getting the threatening monthly letters for about 3 years now. Numerous 'investigations' have been opened into why I have the temerity to refuse to contact TVL or why I couldn't possibly be watching live TV. I've also been told that 'enforcement officers' (!) will be visiting although I've never seen one. The funniest one was 'what I can expect in court' including the patronising statement that I would be allowed to 'take this document into court with me'. It's all designed to make people fearful and I know a few who've signed back up simply to stop the harassment.
TVL/Capita's salesmen are there to earn commission from you. If one knocks at the door, treat them as you would any other stranger - ask who they are and if they identify themselves as TVL, simply shut the door. Don't talk to them. They are trained to try and trick people into thinking they need a licence, they have also been shown to falsify statements from people regarding their requirement (or rather lack of) for a TV licence. Don't invite them in (they have no power to enter and you are not required to allow them in), don't even say anything and above all else, sign nothing. The best advice once you've cancelled is a 'wall of silence'.
As mentioned, you'll be fine for two years from the date you cancel, then they'll start getting aggressive, I choose not to respond at all. Some people here will say you should update them again in two years but it's not legally required and I don't see why I should help TVL/Capita maintain their database with my details.
I'm probably at the slightly more 'anti-TVL' end but the above is a fair representation of the timeframes, what will happen after two years, what your legal obligations are (ie. none!) and the options you have.
1) Write to them and tell them you don't want a licence as you do not receive a live broadcast signal any more.
2) You aren't required to change anything at your home, although I have removed my aerial & satellite cables as I don't need them.
3) TV Licensing (TVL/Capita) will leave you alone for 2 years, then they'll put you on the 'threatogram' list.
4) You're under absolutely no legal obligation to speak to TVL ever again, even if they knock at the door.
5) Some people will tell you to remove the 'implied right of access' (WOIRA). This is a bad idea and totally unnecessary.
I've been getting the threatening monthly letters for about 3 years now. Numerous 'investigations' have been opened into why I have the temerity to refuse to contact TVL or why I couldn't possibly be watching live TV. I've also been told that 'enforcement officers' (!) will be visiting although I've never seen one. The funniest one was 'what I can expect in court' including the patronising statement that I would be allowed to 'take this document into court with me'. It's all designed to make people fearful and I know a few who've signed back up simply to stop the harassment.
TVL/Capita's salesmen are there to earn commission from you. If one knocks at the door, treat them as you would any other stranger - ask who they are and if they identify themselves as TVL, simply shut the door. Don't talk to them. They are trained to try and trick people into thinking they need a licence, they have also been shown to falsify statements from people regarding their requirement (or rather lack of) for a TV licence. Don't invite them in (they have no power to enter and you are not required to allow them in), don't even say anything and above all else, sign nothing. The best advice once you've cancelled is a 'wall of silence'.
As mentioned, you'll be fine for two years from the date you cancel, then they'll start getting aggressive, I choose not to respond at all. Some people here will say you should update them again in two years but it's not legally required and I don't see why I should help TVL/Capita maintain their database with my details.
I'm probably at the slightly more 'anti-TVL' end but the above is a fair representation of the timeframes, what will happen after two years, what your legal obligations are (ie. none!) and the options you have.
Edited by Funk on Wednesday 6th April 17:30
Ste1987 said:
HTP99 said:
If you don't let them in; they have no right to come in, how do they prove that you have actually been watching telly?
Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
When the BBC decide to be funded by adverts. The first ad on the BBC will be flying pigsWonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
HTP99 said:
If you don't let them in; they have no right to come in, how do they prove that you have actually been watching telly?
Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
Far from being scrapped, it's likely to be made compulsory Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
https://www.cable.co.uk/news/tv-licence-will-be-re...
"Earlier this year the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggested that the licence could be replaced by a new compulsory levy placed on every UK household."
dickymint said:
HTP99 said:
If you don't let them in; they have no right to come in, how do they prove that you have actually been watching telly?
Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
Far from being scrapped, it's likely to be made compulsory Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
https://www.cable.co.uk/news/tv-licence-will-be-re...
"Earlier this year the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggested that the licence could be replaced by a new compulsory levy placed on every UK household."
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Do you have a computer (
)
If so it's pretty much guaranteed you'll need a licence (unless you can't connect to the internet)
It's not 'guaranteed' at all and isn't required.)If so it's pretty much guaranteed you'll need a licence (unless you can't connect to the internet)
OP; if you're not watching or recording a live TV broadcast on any device you do not need a licence - it's that simple. It matters not whether your aerial is still in place (there's even a legit reason why it could be; there's nothing illegal with listening to digital radio via your old set top box) or whether you're watching catch-up services online. As long as what you're seeing/recording isn't broadcast live you're good to go.
Obviously review the above if things change in future.
Funk said:
dickymint said:
HTP99 said:
If you don't let them in; they have no right to come in, how do they prove that you have actually been watching telly?
Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
Far from being scrapped, it's likely to be made compulsory Wonder how long before the TV licence is scrapped.
https://www.cable.co.uk/news/tv-licence-will-be-re...
"Earlier this year the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee suggested that the licence could be replaced by a new compulsory levy placed on every UK household."
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Do you have a computer ()
If so it's pretty much guaranteed you'll need a licence (unless you can't connect to the internet)
It's not 'guaranteed' at all and isn't required.)If so it's pretty much guaranteed you'll need a licence (unless you can't connect to the internet)
OP; if you're not watching or recording a live TV broadcast on any device you do not need a licence - it's that simple. It matters not whether your aerial is still in place (there's even a legit reason why it could be; there's nothing illegal with listening to digital radio via your old set top box) or whether you're watching catch-up services online. As long as what you're seeing/recording isn't broadcast live you're good to go.
Obviously review the above if things change in future.
I can pretty much guarantee he does watch live pictures at least once in a year...who doesn't?
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