As the Daily Telegraph continues to kick TV Licensing as it lies winded in the gutter, I just thought I'd remind readers of some of their deceitful tactics.
First off, contrary to what TV Licensing's propaganda peddlers would have you believe, ownership of a TV without a licence is not an offence. The offence is committed if TV equipment is used to receive or record TV signals in an unlicensed property. If you're using a TV solely to watch prerecorded videos, DVDs or listen to digital radio then you are not committing an offence and you do not need a TV licence (we recommend having all the TV channels detuned, just to be on the safe side). We've heard several instances of TVL Enforcement Officers telling bare faced lies in order to secure their commission from people who have no need of a TV licence.
Secondly, if you're someone who doesn't need a TV licence, you're under no obligation whatsoever to co-operate with TV Licensing. You do not need to reply to their letters and you do not need to entertain their doorstep cold callers. Simply ignore them both by either ripping them up or closing the door. Be aware that if you try this tactic with a visiting goon they'll likely bang on your door, shout abuse through your letterbox, threaten you with imaginary legislation and try and embarrass you as much as possible in front of your neighbours. Hold your nerve and if they're causing you distress call the police.
Finally, remember that TVL Enforcement Officers have no more rights than anyone else visiting your property. Despite their claims they are not agents of the state, but employed by a private company contracted to do the BBC's dirty work. They can't demand access to your property unless they have a search warrant (which is extremely unlikely if it's their first visit or you're a genuine non-TV user). Likewise they can't go ferreting through your dustbins, spying through your windows or climbing over your garden fence to gain access. If you see them doing this simply remind them of their legal impotence and call the police if they persist.
Merry Christmas to all our readers (unless you work for the BBC, Capita or TV Licensing).
First off, contrary to what TV Licensing's propaganda peddlers would have you believe, ownership of a TV without a licence is not an offence. The offence is committed if TV equipment is used to receive or record TV signals in an unlicensed property. If you're using a TV solely to watch prerecorded videos, DVDs or listen to digital radio then you are not committing an offence and you do not need a TV licence (we recommend having all the TV channels detuned, just to be on the safe side). We've heard several instances of TVL Enforcement Officers telling bare faced lies in order to secure their commission from people who have no need of a TV licence.
Secondly, if you're someone who doesn't need a TV licence, you're under no obligation whatsoever to co-operate with TV Licensing. You do not need to reply to their letters and you do not need to entertain their doorstep cold callers. Simply ignore them both by either ripping them up or closing the door. Be aware that if you try this tactic with a visiting goon they'll likely bang on your door, shout abuse through your letterbox, threaten you with imaginary legislation and try and embarrass you as much as possible in front of your neighbours. Hold your nerve and if they're causing you distress call the police.
Finally, remember that TVL Enforcement Officers have no more rights than anyone else visiting your property. Despite their claims they are not agents of the state, but employed by a private company contracted to do the BBC's dirty work. They can't demand access to your property unless they have a search warrant (which is extremely unlikely if it's their first visit or you're a genuine non-TV user). Likewise they can't go ferreting through your dustbins, spying through your windows or climbing over your garden fence to gain access. If you see them doing this simply remind them of their legal impotence and call the police if they persist.
Merry Christmas to all our readers (unless you work for the BBC, Capita or TV Licensing).
As an ex BBC TV Centre employee, I make a point of telling everyone I meet of how some of their "license fee" is used corrupt squander . I believe it high time thosehiding behimd the torch,had the torch shone on them.
ReplyDeleteCurious how many people have never even entertained the idea.......I mean, the beeb ,is surely beyond reproach