TV Licence

jacknuig · 09-11-2017 06:01PM #1

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 · 09-11-2017 06:03PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:04PM

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

_Kaiser_ · 09-11-2017 06:05PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:06PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:07PM

_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 · 09-11-2017 06:12PM

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.

09-11-2017 06:15PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:28PM

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

jacknuig · 09-11-2017 06:31PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:32PM

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 · 09-11-2017 06:37PM

jacknuig wrote: »

No tvs, just laptops and a desktop

Is the tenancy in your sole name?

Pacifico · 09-11-2017 06:37PM

Was your name on the letter?

jacknuig · 09-11-2017 06:38PM

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 · 09-11-2017 07:15PM

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.

09-11-2017 07:20PM

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 · 09-11-2017 07:21PM

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 · 09-11-2017 07:22PM

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

branie2 · 09-11-2017 07:25PM

My parents pay the licence

PARlance · 09-11-2017 07:32PM

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 · 09-11-2017 07:39PM

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 · 09-11-2017 07:41PM

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. · 09-11-2017 08:05PM

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 · 09-11-2017 08:12PM

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/

09-11-2017 08:14PM

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

Capt'n Midnight · 10-11-2017 12:50AM

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 · 10-11-2017 01:17AM

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 · 10-11-2017 09:54AM

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 · 10-11-2017 09:56AM

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 · 10-11-2017 01:49PM

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 · 10-11-2017 01:55PM

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.

TV Licence

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