TV licence inspector

Viscount Aggro

I got a letter in my door asking me to call TV licence section, to arrange an inspection at my home.

I think they have seen a satellite dish on side of building. I don't gave a receiver box or TV. What's the best way to handle this?

Allinall

Let them come along and have a look.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058232966/tv-licence-inspector

IGNORE....IGNORE& IGNORE.

why help them out?????......its only 'fishing' exercise

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630476#Comment_118630476

Absolutely, is this a new tactic 😳 Bizzare

Atlantic Dawn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630454#Comment_118630454

I'd not be inviting anyone in to the home without a warrant. They will just send the same letter again next year and the year after, constant harrasement.

NickNickleby

From an old Irish Times article...

"....And under the Broadcasting Act 2009 they have the right to enter “at any reasonable time any premises or specified place for the purposes of ascertaining whether there is a television set there”.

So telling them to clear off might not work. Although its unlikely they'd tried to force their way past you, who knows what next steps are available to them.

If it was me, I'd let him in to see the not-there telly. Then after he goes, I'd wait a while before acquiring one, in case of a sneaky revisit. Or I'd just go and buy the blinking licence.

I wonder how much my TV licences have cost since I started buying them in 1983??? Probably best not to go there.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630562#Comment_118630562

Seems to be an extraordinary tactic, I've had over a decade of letters to the "occupier", wrong name, wrong gender , muppets 🙄

No reflection on OP but this tactic sounds as Ludicrous as the Gardai writing to a burglary suspect, asking if they could come visit and check the contents of their home 😁

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630568#Comment_118630568

I'm not doubting you as I'm not familiar with the act but I'd be very surprised if an inspector could just enter someone's home 🤔 perhaps driveway, garden but not someone's home surely 🤔

Viscount Aggro

Yes, but is a satellite dish classed as capable of receiving TV signal, therefore I need a licence?

**** them, throw it in the bin and if someone knocks say you don't answer questions from strangers.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630681#Comment_118630681

They receive a satellite signal, not a TV single as such, they have to prove you have a device to actually watch what is being received, namely a TV.

There's literally 1000's of unused satellite dishes left on the side of buildings, houses across the country. They must prove you have a physical TV in your home , even one present and not in use requires a license, so no TV, no licence required, Dish is irrelevant albeit used on occasion to spuriously assume a premises has a TV .

is_that_so

We had them call by at an apartment block but they were only interested in properties unlisted for TV licences.

Viscount Aggro

I heard they are using a new tactic at apartment blocks...

Any units with no licence, they are waiting outside in the early morning.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630860#Comment_118630860

Cam I ask was the letter addressed to you personally or to "The Occupier"

Bass Reeves

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630631#Comment_118630631

Technically s TV Inspector has more power than a Garda in this situation. He is an authorized officer. Under the act he can go into your house uninvited. It's highly unlikely he would I imagine however he could look in Windows or open doors. If asked there is a legal obligation on you to give you name whether resident in the house or not. If you are not resident in the house he is entitled to question you as to who is resident in the house, there names etc.

OP if what you say is fact it's as easy to let them inspect and see there is no TV in the house. I imagine they will just look in the living area and leave.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630903#Comment_118630903

I genuinely wasn't aware they had authority to physically enter someone's property, seems extraordinary, a Garda who has the power of arrest would think twice before entering someone's property, but I take your word for it . I agree they seem to catch people out by way of snooping through windows etc .

Viscount Aggro

Addressed to, the occupier.

I've had this experience at a previous address.. I emailed them, saying no TV at this address.

Was not a good idea, as simply confirmed I was at the address, and then had my name. U got 2 more letters which I binned, then they doorstepped me.

dotsman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630568#Comment_118630568

That article is likely referring to Section 147, subsection 3.

(3) An officer of an issuing agent may enter at any reasonable time any premises or specified place for the purposes of ascertaining whether there is a television set there and a television licence is for the time being in force in respect of the premises or specified place authorising the keeping of a television set at the premises or specified place.

And there's a prize for anyone who can categorically state what the wording above even means!!! :) Seriously, they really should have intelligent, English speaking people write their laws, because the above wording is completely nonsensical and would result in a fail at even Junior Cert level English.

Either way, it certainly doesn't grant a license inspector permission to break into a home, nor to use physical force against someone obstructing them.

Just ignore all letters that come from them. And simply close the door on any inspectors that come to your home (ideally, don't open it in the first place). If you do not engage, there's very little they can do.

Hopefully, someday, the people of Ireland will elect TD's capable of having the vision to completely remove this archaic, unethical and completely unnecessary law.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630969#Comment_118630969

I see, the old "Occupier Chesnut " if you've had no contact whatsoever, email or otherwise at current address, I'd personally ignore it but that's for you to decide.

The Occupier has absolutely no standing legally or otherwise in relation to making formal contact with someone, they've clearly no idea whos6at the address and I'd personally leave it that way 😉

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631022#Comment_118631022

I'm genuinely shocked at that wording, utterly meaningless. I look forward to the day one trys to access my property 😏 that's of course if they get by a dirty big wall, fencing, trenches, land mines and barbed wire 😁

silver2020

I love the way the negative ninnies say ignore ignore.

Don't ignore.

If you don't have a TV either let them in or send in the declaration that you can get here https://www.tvlicence.ie/home/tv-licence-forms.html

If you don't, then by not declaring or refusing to allow them check you run the risk of having to appear in court and making a declaration there

Courts and judges hate time wasters, so they may not accept your declaration at that point and you will have little way if proving you had no TV.

So save yourself a lot of utterly needless hassle and just let them look or send in the declaration.

Remember none of the ninnies will go to court on your behalf or pay you for your lost day's earnings.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631171#Comment_118631171

All absolutely wonderful and enlightening and of course utter shyte. If a licensing authority hasn't got the wear with all to identify residents of properties they've no business being engaged in collection of licensing fee's. Are you suggesting citizens do their work for them.

I've lived and own my home for twenty years, pay my taxes , including property tax , I even paid water charges and yet 20 years later these clowns can't even get my name right .

This aside I don't have a TV but the notion I'd pay a fee to subsidise RTE is utterly repugnant to me.

Ninnies, whatever they are, my arse 🙄

silver2020

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631256#Comment_118631256

What's a "wear with all"?

And license is for a premises, not for a person. But you know that don't you?

NickNickleby

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631154#Comment_118631154

I don't know how to multi-quote (I just invented a verb!).

Yeah its pretty scary to my eyes. However, as I said earlier I doubt a TV Licence Inspector would flash his badge and kick your door down - but hey, I've been wrong before 😲.

I'd say there's lots of legislation like that out there that we're not aware of. But , at the end of the day, I'm sure these officials are just guys on a wage like the rest of us. Boxes have to be ticked, so the letter in the o.p. is probably just that. No doubt there's a process for follow up if no response is received. You probably can't write back and deny entry, as they would probably quote the above bits from the law saying YOU MUST let me in. So I'd imagine the process culminates with a Garda accompanying a Warrant carrying Inspector. but that's guess work.

( My idea as to the likely approach of the Inspector is based on a stint as a temp in Social Welfare. From the dole, I got a job in a 'dole office' and I saw the thing from a completely perspective. )

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631277#Comment_118631277

Indeed I do but as I'm sure you equally know they have to identify the Occupier/ Owner etc by name if they wish to issue a summons , unless you think a summons could be issued to the red bricked building or stone cottage etc 🙄

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631281#Comment_118631281

Congratulations on the new Verb 😁 but yes I hear you and agree 😏

elperello

OP

If you don't have a TV you don't have a problem.

There is no law that says you must have a licence if you don't have a TV.

Just go with the flow and make the appointment.

XT1200

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630860#Comment_118630860

Another urban myth. And no one can enter your home unless they have a warrant, or if you invite them.

Effects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118630568#Comment_118630568

An inspector forced his way past my sister, in college residence in the past. So not sure about your statement. She was pretty shook up about it at the time.

I'm sure they aren't all like that of course.

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631455#Comment_118631455

That's outrageous 😳 not sure if college residences have a different legal status as a private residence but I'd certainly have lodged a formal complaint.

EarWig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631331#Comment_118631331

Yes, just has to be.

That would be a long wait and when is the last time you saw somebody waiting in a corridor outside an apartment.

bcklschaps

Have ye folks forgotten we are still in the middle of a pandemic ? 😷

Fecking TV License clown comes to my door, I'll be coughing up a lung in his face

Dempo1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631663#Comment_118631663

I shouldn't but I will, 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

NickNickleby

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631455#Comment_118631455

Good grief, that's appalling. I'm sure its a bit late now, but i hope she got over it quickly. I think these little Hitlers exist in all walks of life, but I'm absolutely sure they're in a tiny minority. This is based on my own life experience of meeting generally nice people with the occasional gobsh!te thrown in to keep me on my toes. Of course, its easy for me now, being in my 60's, but I'm sure your sister was pretty shook up as a young student.

Bass Reeves

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631138#Comment_118631138

You are right the occupier has no legal standing.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631277#Comment_118631277

Technically not correct. The licence is transferrable from one premise to another in the name of the licence holder.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631281#Comment_118631281

No TV licence inspector can/ would kick a door down. However if a door was open they are legally entitled to walk in and look to see if there is a TV present. I doubt if any would do such a thing. However if they see the TV through an open door from the door step then the act give them huge legal strengths.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631331#Comment_118631331

Not cirrect

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631455#Comment_118631455

I be surprised, as H&S issues come into play.

Bass Reeves

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118631663#Comment_118631663

You are a real nice individual. At the end of the day this lad or lady who d just trying to do a job and put bread on the table for there family

bcklschaps

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118632629#Comment_118632629

First of all Bass Reeves, YOU don't know anything about me....soo save me your opinion on what kind of an individual you think I am.

Second, if a lad or lady wants to work a job putting bread on the table, try finding a job that doesn't involve something as unjust and ludicrous as enforcing the payment of a TV License

Bass Reeves

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118633177#Comment_118633177

I know what you posted

''Fecking TV License clown comes to my door, I'll be coughing up a lung in his face''

And consider COVID and any other infectious disease's you might carry what you proposed to do makes you out to be one sorry individual.

We had a similar case in court a week ago where a parking enforcement office was assaulted by lads who were illegally parked.

These lads are all doing a job to earn a living. But lads that assault, spit or cough lung into the face are just typical scum you find around the place.

If people do not want to pay for the TV licence they should not have one in their house.

Effects

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118632621#Comment_118632621

She was also surprised when it happened. She didn’t even live there.

Viscount Aggro

No way around paying it now... See Irish times today.. Revenue to collect it., they can deduct from you at source, via paye or welfare.

Viscount Aggro

This will cause serious aggro.

What if you don't have TV.

turbot

Maybe put a bunch of webcams around your place, invite them in with notices that this is a Reality TV house, then have a bunch of friends who are actors / theatrical types ask or stage all kinds of silly questions / experiences - then link this to a website called "Reality TV Licence" and and charge them to watch it?

Eircom_Sucks

swines

licence on everything you need , fishing licence , dog licence

when does this bullcrap end ?

they want a piece of anything you have , yet the **** in government get everything and more

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640059#Comment_118640059

If you don't have a TV you don't have to pay a TV licence.

boardlady

I think they technically have to be invited in. But they have a gizmo that show gps, so if they can show their boss that they were in your home and saw no tv, then that will be the end of it. Otherwise, they will continue to harass you in these ways which will either be humourous to you, or drive you simple! If you've nothing to hide, letting them in might not be a bad idea. But I also have a thing about not making this type of job easy!

whomitconcerns

Have to love how cool people are when it comes to TV licences. I'll never pay... They are a shower of Muppets...I don't watch the sham that's rte.. Etc etc

Well I don't collect social money so does that mean that I shouldn't have to pay either?

If someone doesn't agree with paying you for something, would you agree you're the Muppet for chasing them, as the inspectors are in this case? They are only doing their job!

There are all sorts of excuses, for not paying any tax of any type.. I'm not a fan myself.. But at the end of the day, it is what it is.

Maybe if all the brave people here who'd "kick the crap out of any inspector trying to come to my house" should put their efforts and skills elsewhere?

Btw not directed at anyone in particular, just these threads are so common....

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640068#Comment_118640068

Not that I agree with the TV licence but you will find that politicians have to have one if they have a TV.

Same goes if they have a dog or like to go fishing.

Allinall

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640068#Comment_118640068

Who needs to go fishing and have a dog?

Doodah7

After reading through this thread and the amount of sad sacks on it, I'm delighted to read that Revenue are likely to be taking over the collection of the TV Licence. All the bar stool politics and rumour mongering...

Fandymo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640537#Comment_118640537

Revenue won't be going anywhere near tv license collection.

Bass Reeves

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640025#Comment_118640025

There was talk of replace the TV licence with a media charge to find public service broadcasting, mainly RTE. The new charge would be compulsory and payable by all households.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640059#Comment_118640059

It's will be a public service broadcasting media charge. As virtually everybody has a phone, computer or other device the charge will be universal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640397#Comment_118640397

See above.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118640572#Comment_118640572

If revenue are assigned the duty of collection of any tax they will collect it. It would be very easy to collect. They have all the data on every individual ( PPS and address) , of every house( property tax) and of every business ( rates and business registration.

They can easily set up a system collating houses with PPS numbers. Similar with business that will eed licences, pubs, hotels or any business that requires a media licience