TV Licence

jacknuig

Sorry for adding to the collection of TV Licence threads, but I think my situation is unique and I couldn't find any other posts relating to my predicament. Anyway, I specifically got a letter from the TV licence crew (as did my whole neighborhood I think). They want me to pay up. All things considered, I have no TV set, no satellite box, no antenna or satellite. I never watch TV. I wouldn't mind but I can't pay up even if I had one as I'm a piss broke student. Apparently, as there was a TV when I moved in I have to pay, out of five tenants may I add and I specifically have to pay. I told them to come round and inspect the place but they told me to just pay up.

Any thoughts on all this? Personally I think they're trying one and I don't think I have any legal requirement but I would appreciate everyone's .02

artanevilla

If there is a TV in the house you have to pay. If not, you don't.

Just report to the post office that you don't have one and you're free and clear.

MilesMorales1

Start a protest movement and mobilise the whole of the country to not pay TV licences.

_Kaiser_

If you honestly have no TV, then I'd fill out the declaration saying that and send it back to them. Also include a note that says they are welcome to come inspect the property at a mutually convenient time.

Send it by registered post and keep a copy. If it comes to court, explain the situation and produce the copy.

I'm not a lawyer though, but that's what I'd do.

Rhyme

You mentioned that there was a TV when you moved in, is the tv still there?

If there is no television or device capable of receiving a television signal in the property then you don't pay. I'd wait for others to respond as well. My own experience is that there are two laptops, a small projector and a computer monitor in my house and after a few (in my opinion) bullying letters and a few explanatory replies, they've not bothered us since.

You can look up their own rules online but inspectors have been known to ignore them during inspections.

jacknuig

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

If you honestly have no TV, then I'd fill out the declaration saying that and send it back to them. Also include a note that says they are welcome to come inspect the property at a mutually convenient time.

Send it by registered post and keep a copy. If it comes to court, explain the situation and produce the copy.

I'm not a lawyer though, but that's what I'd do.

Cut this out from the email they sent me:

"Whether or not there is a tv set at the address now does not alter this requirement."

Anyway, I'm gonna ask them if they're trying to pull one and do what you suggested, arrange an inspection at a specific time.

killanena

http://www.anpost.ie/AnPost/Downloads/TVLicence/StatutoryDeclaration.pdf
Print out that form, fill it up and send it off to the closes office, address found on their site.

Was getting the same letters as you even after inviting an inspector into my home to look around. After about 2 months of sending that out I haven't had anyone call or any letters.

Sleeper12

jacknuig wrote:

"Whether or not there is a tv set at the address now does not alter this requirement."

If they visited the site and they saw a tv or whoever opened the door said that there was a tv then someone needs to pay for a tv licence.

My Spider senses are tingling here. The fact that they say whether there is a tv there NOW suggests that they have paid a visit or someone ad to having a a tv licence.

What are you not telling us?

elperello

What is your status in the house?
Does anyone in the house have a tv?

jacknuig

Sleeper12 wrote: »

If they visited the site and they saw a tv or whoever opened the door said that there was a tv then someone needs to pay for a tv licence.

My Spider senses are tingling here. The fact that they say whether there is a tv there NOW suggests that they have paid a visit or someone ad to having a a tv licence.

What are you not telling us?

The only thing that I think could be construed as a TV is my mates computer monitor. And considering I just moved in, I haven't got anything to hide which is why I invited them around.

jacknuig

elperello wrote: »

What is your status in the house?
Does anyone in the house have a tv?

No tvs, just laptops and a desktop

elperello

jacknuig wrote: »

No tvs, just laptops and a desktop

Is the tenancy in your sole name?

Pacifico

Was your name on the letter?

jacknuig

elperello wrote: »

Is the tenancy in your sole name?

Yeah, I raised that point with them. No, it isn't. four others. And yep, my name was on the letter. And the fine was directed at me.

donegaLroad

Ring the post office and report that there is no TV in the house. That's what I did and they said ok, and added a note next to my file on the database.

I haven't had a TV since 2003.

Try your local TD also.

Sleeper12

Pacifico wrote:

Was your name on the letter?

Are you not wondering how they'll got your name?

Either you gave it or a housemates gave it.

They call to your door and ask do you have a tv. Somebody obviously said yes you have a tv and gave your name.

km991148

donegaLroad wrote: »

Ring the post office and report that there is no TV in the house. That's what I did and they said ok, and added a note next to my file on the database.

I haven't had a TV since 2003.

Try your local TD also.

Try your TD? For disputed TV Licence evasion? The systems in place are adequate enough!

OP - You should prob call 999 and get the Guards as well!

PandaPoo

There's a Facebook group dedicated to this. You should join, full of hippies sticking it to the man.

branie2

My parents pay the licence

PARlance

jacknuig wrote: »

Yeah, I raised that point with them. No, it isn't. four others. And yep, my name was on the letter. And the fine was directed at me.

You've just moved in and you've already got a TV licence fine. That's some going.

donegaLroad

km991148 wrote: »

Try your TD? For disputed TV Licence evasion? The systems in place are adequate enough!

OP - You should prob call 999 and get the Guards as well!

The systems in place are: if you receive a non negotiable letter from the TV licence dept demanding their fee, then pay it, or else face a fine.

Not exactly a 'system' as you call it. Doesn't run like sophisticated clockwork, does it?

jacknuig

PARlance wrote: »

You've just moved in and you've already got a TV licence fine. That's some going.

Sorry, the threat of a fine. 7 days notice to pay up. I moved in approx. a month and a half ago. I'm just not gong to pay it. Don't need the stress of it all, exams and interviews over the next few weeks. I just assumed they got it from the tenant database, I believe the landlord registered us. I'll send them the declaration and be done with them.

As for the people saying stick it to the man, I pay my tv licenses when I need to. Bought one in January as the flatmate in the that house had a tv, I'm in the mind to just transfer the license to my current address as its still valid for a couple more months but I shouldn't have to.

STB.

The question you need to ask is.

Where did you get my name.

If you only moved in, I'd be concerned. I am guessing you have had a visit from a TV licence inspector and one of your housemates has given your name. They wouldnt have it otherwise.

Also this letter that states "Whether or not there is a tv set at the address now does not alter this requirement" scan it and show us, minus the personal details.

Harry Palmr

PAC are discussing the TV licence and not fit for purpose seems to be the conclusion.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/1109/918690-pac-tax/

Remember: your fear an phoist is your tv licence inspector. 'twas a shock discovering that!

Capt'n Midnight

Deleted User wrote: »

Remember: your fear an phoist is your tv licence inspector. 'twas a shock discovering that!

An post get a tenner out of every licence
and the evasion rate is 14.6%

So instead of costing €160 it could cost just €127 if it was collected off the ESB or revenue.



If the contract was taken off an post and given to a , likely foreign, company expect lots of extra fees for late payment and collection fees and other tricks like the way an M50 toll becomes insanely expensive if you ignore it :mad:

RayM

The threatening tone of the letters/emails they send you when the licence is a few days overdue makes me resent buying one. Especially when it would be so easy to just lie and tell them I've got rid of the television and now watch everything online. They should shut the fuck up and be glad they're getting my €160.

jacknuig

Well I was on the phone to them, exact words were as "a tv set was reported being there, I advise you to get a TV Licence asap, our investigator won't be revisiting". Apparently there was an inspection a while back. I certainly didn't give my name. I suppose I'll have to pay which is a really kick seeing as I never had a tv. Personally, I'm very bitter.

_Brian

MilesMorales1 wrote: »

Start a protest movement and mobilise the whole of the country to not pay TV licences.

Waaaayyyy ahead on that one.
26 years without paying here.

km991148

donegaLroad wrote: »

The systems in place are: if you receive a non negotiable letter from the TV licence dept demanding their fee, then pay it, or else face a fine.

Not exactly a 'system' as you call it. Doesn't run like sophisticated clockwork, does it?

Although I think there is some missing info form the op (how did An Post get their name?*) - it is still a system, whereby you can inform them that you don't have a TV. With all the other BS going on in this country, I don't think this is one for a TD (Assuming a TD would even take such a request seriously**)

* - An Post started on at me after I set up a mail redirect - wanting a licence for the OLD address in which there was never a TV.

** - Could be surprised tho - if there is a positive outcome for the TD then they might just go for an easy win..

brainfreeze

Does anybody know what a 'Culture Tax' is?

Also mentioned in the draft proposals is a possible 'culture tax' to be levied on internet service providers.

DanWall

km991148 wrote: »

Although I think there is some missing info form the op (how did An Post get their name?*) - it is still a system, whereby you can inform them that you don't have a TV. With all the other BS going on in this country, I don't think this is one for a TD (Assuming a TD would even take such a request seriously**)

* - An Post started on at me after I set up a mail redirect - wanting a licence for the OLD address in which there was never a TV.

** - Could be surprised tho - if there is a positive outcome for the TD then they might just go for an easy win..

A number years ago An Post told me I need a licence because I had an aerial up with no TV, they said it was capable of receiving a signal an so I ended up in court.
Go to TD about it

km991148

DanWall wrote: »

A number years ago An Post told me I need a licence because I had an aerial up with no TV, they said it was capable of receiving a signal an so I ended up in court.
Go to TD about it

feck - court? For having an Aerial - ouch - Didn't realise they were that bad!

xckjoo

jacknuig wrote: »

Well I was on the phone to them, exact words were as "a tv set was reported being there, I advise you to get a TV Licence asap, our investigator won't be revisiting". Apparently there was an inspection a while back. I certainly didn't give my name. I suppose I'll have to pay which is a really kick seeing as I never had a tv. Personally, I'm very bitter.

Ask them where the report of the TV set came from. I'd say they're talking out their asses.

Start writing down everything that's happening and when. Keep a log of any interactions you have with them and the names of anyone you deal with.

Rhyme

DanWall wrote: »

A number years ago An Post told me I need a licence because I had an aerial up with no TV, they said it was capable of receiving a signal an so I ended up in court.
Go to TD about it

I hope you won that case.

Their own rules stipulate having a device that can receive a signal (even a broken television as it can be repaired) and nothing to do with signal apparatus. Unless things have changed since I last trawled through that set of laws, you can have a house peppered in aerials and satellite dishes but without a tv, no need for a license.

lau1247

jacknuig wrote: »

Well I was on the phone to them, exact words were as "a tv set was reported being there, I advise you to get a TV Licence asap, our investigator won't be revisiting". Apparently there was an inspection a while back. I certainly didn't give my name. I suppose I'll have to pay which is a really kick seeing as I never had a tv. Personally, I'm very bitter.

Get them to confirm the date of the inspection. If it was before you move in, you are in the clear. Just prove that you didn't live there at the time. I'd be more concern about how they get your name in the first place

daheff

brainfreeze wrote: »

Does anybody know what a 'Culture Tax' is?

Its another way to fleece us.

donegaLroad

They get your name when a tv license inspector calls to the door. It is whoever answers the door gives the name. It has happened to me before in shared accommodation when I answered the door to the inspector.. the letter arrived addressed to me but as it turned out the guys had already bought a license so there was no problem.

km991148

donegaLroad wrote: »

They get your name when a tv license inspector calls to the door. It is whoever answers the door gives the name. It has happened to me before in shared accommodation when I answered the door to the inspector.. the letter arrived addressed to me but as it turned out the guys had already bought a license so there was no problem.

Yes, but they get it from other sources too - I set up a mail redirect when moving home one time (and I guess I must have opted in/not opted out of sharing marketing info with An Post) and they started sending letters in my name - weirdly tho to the address I moved out of, which they then redirected to my new address.. (neither of which i had tv signal receiving equipment).

Maybe there are other inadvertent ways the OPs name got involved?

Capt'n Midnight

artanevilla wrote: »

If there is a TV in the house you have to pay. If not, you don't.

Just report to the post office that you don't have one and you're free and clear.

Actually there's at least one house that straddles the border.

So when the TV license inspector asks where the telly is you can say "Fermanagh"

Wanderer78

Come on 'air tax', I've a few quid on yea!

beertons

They should stick a charge on a TV when it is sold in a shop, and leave it at that. Paying annually is a balls.

_Kaiser_

beertons wrote: »

They should stick a charge on a TV when it is sold in a shop, and leave it at that. Paying annually is a balls.

Ah but if they did that, they wouldn't be able to fleece you every year (and hike the prices)

kenmc

Anyone remember the ads in the 80s? "...and remember, if you have a color TV, you MUST have a color licence"

DaveyDave

Sure how else is Turbridy supposed to get €500,000 a year?

elperello

Man up Jack.
Nobody had a TV in the house while you lived there and you are going to pay to avoid hassle!

Stonedpilot

jacknuig wrote: »

Sorry for adding to the collection of TV Licence threads, but I think my situation is unique and I couldn't find any other posts relating to my predicament. Anyway, I specifically got a letter from the TV licence crew (as did my whole neighborhood I think). They want me to pay up. All things considered, I have no TV set, no satellite box, no antenna or satellite. I never watch TV. I wouldn't mind but I can't pay up even if I had one as I'm a piss broke student. Apparently, as there was a TV when I moved in I have to pay, out of five tenants may I add and I specifically have to pay. I told them to come round and inspect the place but they told me to just pay up.

Any thoughts on all this? Personally I think they're trying one and I don't think I have any legal requirement but I would appreciate everyone's .02

You'd be insane to pay it pal. Even if I had 40 tv's in my house I wouldnt pay the tv license. Why pay for them clowns in RTE to shovel coke up their noses and live in 10 bedroom mansions in Foxrock and Malahide driving new beamers?.

Tv license guy comes to the door simply dont answer. Fish only gert caught cos they open their mouths. You dont have to answer a single question. If your crazy enough to, expect to pay!.

Mint Sauce

If you dont have a TV OP, dont pay! They will only be after you for it every year then.

Stonedpilot

donegaLroad wrote: »

They get your name when a tv license inspector calls to the door. It is whoever answers the door gives the name. It has happened to me before in shared accommodation when I answered the door to the inspector.. the letter arrived addressed to me but as it turned out the guys had already bought a license so there was no problem.

Why give him your name??¿????? Madness

jacknuig

I told them I didn't give my name and I wasn't aware of an inspection prior to this, but they said its "irrelevant". I have to pay. As its my name. The inspection was two weeks after I moved in. They won't do another inspection. They're telling me to pay up. I've got a multitude of choices but I'm in the mind to tell them I've moved back to Kerry to live with the parents. I've 7 months left (academic lease) on the lease and I genuinely don't fancy paying for a years licence. I'm nearly etching on the side of paying it just to avoid all the potential hassle though.

DaveyDave

Don't cave, you owe them nothing. The TV license should at least go to all Irish TV channels, not a biased one that overpays salaries that nobody watches...