Taking a TV Licence Fee Holiday

Simply turning off from TV programmes and stopping payment of the licence fee, is a perfectly legal course of action according to the BBC.

A while ago fellow TV Licence Resistance forum member dwesty wrote to TV Licensing asking them about the validity of taking what he described as a "TV licence fee holiday". 

In his email query, the response to which can be viewed here, he asked: "Is there any legal/lawful objection to a cash-strapped household taking a one year 'TV Licence Fee Holiday' by simply switching off their fully functional TV and ensuring that, without exception, it remains switched off for a 12-month period, thereby spending the entire year never using it to watch or record live programming as it is broadcast?"

TV Licensing's Operations Director Alison Roberts, or rather one of her minions, replied: "There is no objection to a household taking this decision.

"Legally, the ownership of a television receiver does not require a TV licence. Therefore if you choose not to switch on your television receiver for twelve months, you do not require a TV licence for that period.

"Under the Communications Act 2003, a TV licence is only required to watch or record live television programmes".

Roberts then went on to explain why TV Licensing recommends disconnecting the aerial and power supply as a precautionary, not mandatory, measure in these circumstances.

This information was disclosed by the BBC to the TV Licensing Blog under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (BBC reference number: RFI20140730).

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