Tv licence query

blindside88

Hey guys

I'm a long te reader first time poster, basically my tv licence ran out at the start of feb and I'm due to move out of my house at the end April (back to the parents unfortunately), I called the tv licence office in feb and was told not to pay the tv licence and explain the situation if an inspector called, I offered to pay by direct debit from feb to may but was told I could not do this as if I entered the dd I would be signed up for the year, so I left it at that. I received another letter 2 weeks later, called again an was told the same. Monday of this week I received a letter with a form to be filled in stating that if it was not returned in 28 days I would face a fine. I called again today and was told the information I was given on the previous 2 calls was incorrect and that I must pay for an entire year either up front or by direct debit. My question is if I enter the dd do I legally have to pay for the licence for the full year or can I cancel when I move home? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Blindside

seamus

TV licences aren't issued for part of a year, so although payment for the licence may be taken in installments, you are being provided with a full-year licence at the start, so you are liable for that entire cost. If you cancel the DD halfway through, they can (and will) chase you for the outstanding balance.

The DD doesn't mean that you're paying to be licenced each month; you're licenced for the entire year, you've just deferred the payment.

Since it's only for a matter of six weeks, can you move the TV to your parents' house and do without it until then?

blindside88

Thanks for the advice, I was thinking of moving the tv to my parents house alright, it just seems like a ridiculous situation that I will have to pay for a licence fir a house that someone else will be living in

seamus

A licence can be transferred from one property to another when you move, but assuming that your parents already have a licence, this is no use to you.

blindside88

They have a licence aswell. You've confirmed what I was thinking, guess I'll just have to pay or get rid Of the tv

JR6

Ring them up/send a letter informing the tv licence office that you have moved out of that address and to take your name off the residence as the licence holder. Then they will probably call again in the next week or two. DO NOT answer the door. Then they will start sending letters to 'the occupant' to get a TV licence.
By that stage you will be gone.

Believe me, I have been dodging these guys for years. Just dont answer the door. Advise friends/family to phone before coming or when outside.
DO NOT give in and pay!

blindside88

Just got it sorted lads thanks for the help, a friend has a tv licence on a house that is unoccupied so he has agreed to have it transferred to my house until I leave...... Happy days