TV Licensing postcard

Discodog · 31-05-2013 6:23pm #1

I received a standard tv licensing enquiry card. It was filled out by hand & posted through my letterbox.

The form has a checkbox marked
"TV set/aerial/satellite dish observed "
This implies that the presence of an aerial or dish is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

I thought that you had to have a tv receiver. If so then isn't the form misrepresenting the law in order to intimidate?

ResearchWill · 31-05-2013 6:32pm

Discodog wrote: »

I received a standard tv licensing enquiry card. It was filled out by hand & posted through my letterbox.

The form has a checkbox marked
"TV set/aerial/satellite dish observed "
This implies that the presence of an aerial or dish is sufficient evidence to prosecute.

I thought that you had to have a tv receiver. If so then isn't the form misrepresenting the law in order to intimidate?

The important word is in bold.

L1011 · 31-05-2013 6:36pm

An aerial, cable connection or dish was all that was required to need a licence, but I believe the 2009 Broadcasting Act has changed that, albeit its down to interpretation. An aerial or cable is not "electronic" but a satellite dish actually is - specifically the LNB element is and is classed as an electronic device for WEEE rules.

“ television set ” means any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services broadcast for general reception (whether or not its use for that purpose is dependent on the use of anything else in conjunction with it) and any software or assembly comprising such apparatus and other apparatus;"

Discodog · 31-05-2013 6:38pm

ResearchWill wrote: »

The important word is in bold.

The average person, like my neighbour, would assume that they have to have a license for an aerial or dish. They were about to buy a license even though they don't have a tv.

Bruthal · 31-05-2013 7:12pm

MYOB wrote: »

An aerial, cable connection or dish was all that was required to need a licence, but I believe the 2009 Broadcasting Act has changed that, albeit its down to interpretation. An aerial or cable is not "electronic" but a satellite dish actually is - specifically the LNB element is and is classed as an electronic device for WEEE rules.

Yea my interpretation is its an rte tax, and they want everyone to pay regardless of use of the service. There for they describe the liable apparatus as everything even remotely linked to a TV. If it becomes the broadcast charge, that will, further encompass even those who specifically don't have any television set, and we will have more people who will advocate why having a laptop should make a person liable.

“ television set ” means any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services broadcast for general reception (whether or not its use for that purpose is dependent on the use of anything else in conjunction with it) and any software or assembly comprising such apparatus and other apparatus;"

Well I don't think an LNB was ever able to exhibit broadcasts, so its hard to believe pre 2009 that a sat dish alone required a licence and they then amended it to reduce the amount of liable properties.

Anything is possible though.

Discodog · 31-05-2013 7:33pm

Further evidence of the threatening tone is that the inspector has written "revisit in 5 days" . You are supposed to return the card in the post. Given the holiday it will be 3 days before the card is even on it's way.

The card refers to the 2009 Act but still mentions an aerial or dish.

Bruthal · 31-05-2013 8:44pm

Discodog wrote: »

Further evidence of the threatening tone is that the inspector has written "revisit in 5 days" . You are supposed to return the card in the post. Given the holiday it will be 3 days before the card is even on it's way.

The card refers to the 2009 Act but still mentions an aerial or dish.

All they can do regarding aerials is say it indicates evidence of a TV in the property.

Pawwed Rig · 31-05-2013 8:51pm

Discodog wrote: »

Further evidence of the threatening tone is that the inspector has written "revisit in 5 days" . You are supposed to return the card in the post. Given the holiday it will be 3 days before the card is even on it's way.

Generally they are full of bluster. They will call back but it could be any length of time. Do they have your name or is it addressed to the occupier?

Discodog · 31-05-2013 9:07pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Generally they are full of bluster. They will call back but it could be any length of time. Do they have your name or is it addressed to the occupier?

Addressed to me. I have been told by a very good source that postmen had to check a list of names & fill in the missing ones.

Lots of locals got personally addressed letters at the same time.

Pawwed Rig · 31-05-2013 9:25pm

Really? I thought they weren't allowed to do that. Yeah if it is addressed to you then you may pay it if you have a TV in the house

Fred Swanson · 01-06-2013 12:40am

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Discodog · 03-06-2013 10:52am

Fred Swanson wrote: »

Unless they gain entry and see a TV there is nowt they can do.

Aerials and dishes prove nothing as they have non TV uses.

I have read that they can apply for a search warrant but I never heard of them doing this.

Fred Swanson · 03-06-2013 10:56am

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Finnbar01 · 03-06-2013 8:43pm

Discodog wrote: »

I have read that they can apply for a search warrant but I never heard of them doing this.

I doubt they would be granted a warrant to search your house for a TV.

Victor · 03-06-2013 8:53pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

Really? I thought they weren't allowed to do that. Yeah if it is addressed to you then you may pay it if you have a TV in the house

Lots of things are allowed in the collection of duties / taxes.

slimjimmc · 04-06-2013 11:21pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Not nowt.
They can require to declare whether or not you have a TV set. If you don't properly submit the declaration it's assumed you have an unlicenced TV unless you can prove otherwise. Telling porkies could get you a €1000 fine.

Sect 147 SI 18/2009

Fred Swanson · 05-06-2013 4:55pm

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patsyrockem · 22-09-2013 11:49pm

I am currently living in a rented house as my own house is been renovated. We have a licence for our own house and are moving back in about 6 weeks but we received the standard letter through the letterbox last week, warning that there is no record of a tv licence at our rented house. Surely I won't have to buy another licence for the few weeks. How long do you get before they start proceedings? We did not meet anyone, just that they called and observed a satellite dish. Any ideas as to my next step.

Fred Swanson · 23-09-2013 1:32am

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Victor · 23-09-2013 4:53am

patsyrockem wrote: »

I am currently living in a rented house as my own house is been renovated. We have a licence for our own house and are moving back in about 6 weeks but we received the standard letter through the letterbox last week, warning that there is no record of a tv licence at our rented house. Surely I won't have to buy another licence for the few weeks. How long do you get before they start proceedings? We did not meet anyone, just that they called and observed a satellite dish. Any ideas as to my next step.

Just let them know the other house is uninhabitable, but that you have a licence.

Del2005 · 23-09-2013 6:53pm

Victor wrote: »

Just let them know the other house is uninhabitable, but that you have a licence.

They don't care what other house has a TV licence. If there's a TV in the house then it needs a licence. They can't proceed to prosecution until they've talked to you, so don't answer the door to strangers.

Peppa Pig · 23-09-2013 7:48pm

patsyrockem wrote: »

I am currently living in a rented house as my own house is been renovated. We have a licence for our own house and are moving back in about 6 weeks but we received the standard letter through the letterbox last week, warning that there is no record of a tv licence at our rented house. Surely I won't have to buy another licence for the few weeks. How long do you get before they start proceedings? We did not meet anyone, just that they called and observed a satellite dish. Any ideas as to my next step.

Citizens Information wrote:

Moving to a new home
If you are moving house, it is possible and highly advisable to have your television licence transferred to your new address. Simply bring your existing licence to your nearest Post Office, together with evidence of your new address (that is a household utility bill or a bank statement). Staff in your Post Office will then amend the details on your record and your licence will be updated and re-issued to you. This service is free.

Link
I'd talk to the licence inspector and ask him is it necessary for 6 weeks considering you'd have to get it changed back. I can't see a judge being impressed with a case where someone actually has a tv licence and will be back in their own home when the case comes to court.

Fred Swanson · 23-09-2013 8:19pm

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TV Licensing postcard

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