How to Deal With TV Licensing Goons

An epic YouTube montage of unsuccessful TV Licensing visits was uploaded a few days ago.

The eleven minute video shows some of the most repugnant characters in the TV Licensing Blog hall of fame. Particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of convicted TV Licensing thug David Clark, who thumped a wheelchair-bound disabled man during routine enquiries, and TV Licensing hard man Mr Grumpy, whose potty-mouthed tirade we featured back in January 2012.

The BBC has previously said: "We do not agree that TV Licensing officials intimidate the public." Have a quick look back at Clark and Mr Grumpy and see if you agree.

The video begins by summarising the following rules of engagement when dealing with TV Licensing goons:

• Rule 1: Never give them your name or any other personal details. Never let them into your home, and never admit to anything.
• Rule 2: Provide them with an official notice that you are revoking their "implied right of access" to your property. Also provide them with a notice outlining your fee schedule.
• Rule 3: Always film them right from the outset. This will prevent them from trying to intimidate you and it usually scares them away.

Sound advice indeed.

If you decide to follow rule 2, please be aware that withdrawing the implied right of access (WOIRA) to your property sometimes serves to heighten TV Licensing's interest in your circumstances. It's also fair to say that TV Licensing often break BBC rules and ignore WOIRA instructions.

For further advice on how to deal with TV Licensing please download our free ebook, TV Licensing Laid Bare.