TV licence is this right?

BlitzKrieg · 13-12-2009 3:07pm #1

Ok about halfway through last month a tv inspector came around and I informed that I didnt have a licence, but also that my tv in its current state could not recieve tv signals (its wired up to my pc with no attenna or other means to recieve tv signals) He said he would confirm if this is satisfactory with the law or not. I wasnt trying to dodge a licence or anything, I thought it specified if the tv is capable of recieving tv signals I would have to pay but my tv is not capable unless I went out and bought an aerial or digibox or something which I never did. THe inspector was unable to give me an answer there and then, so I expected a callback or letter with an answer.

So I get the letter last week saying that an inspector had been by and that I would be required to pay the licence or else be summoned. Which answers my question fine.

But between the original inspectors visit and the letter I was accepted into a course in London and am actually leaving this apartment next week.

I emailed them to explain this, providing a copy of my acceptance letter to show them I wasnt trying to fake them. THe response was straight forward. Doesnt matter if an inspector has visited the property you are expected to pay or else be summoned.

Is this simply it? Regardless of the short length of time I will be here I will still need to pay a fee for a year?

If so I will pay it grudgingly and curse them for it, but I will pay it, but I just wanted to confirm if this statement was true. As it seems a bit unfair. I understand if someone is moving they should pay regardless if its still in ireland and they will have tv in another accomadation. But I am leaving the country, after next week I will have to pay a second licence for my UK accomadation it just seems unfair.

Shield · 13-12-2009 3:29pm

Get ready to curse them. From what I recall when I lived down there, your TV has to be decommissioned by a certified electrical engineer and you get a certificate from him saying it is no longer capable of receiving TV signals.

I have a friend who used to do this professionally for schools and the like, and if you can't show the inspector the certificate when he arrives, you are deemed to be in possession of unlicensed TV apparatus.

You'll have to pay up I'm afraid.

BlitzKrieg · 13-12-2009 3:46pm

crap ahh well.

thanks

shame I have to pay for a full year though

Shield · 13-12-2009 4:17pm

More info for you here which won't help you in the slightest.

TV licence is this right?

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