TV Licencing - Architects of a New Dawn2024-03-19T04:14:14Zhttp://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/forum/topics/tv-licencing?groupUrl=positiveaction&feed=yes&xn_auth=noYes. I've received these too…tag:architectsofanewdawn.ning.com,2009-09-28:2227378:Comment:1263262009-09-28T12:32:31.565ZRon Tocknellhttp://architectsofanewdawn.ning.com/profile/RonTocknell
Yes. I've received these too and we don't have TV. I also wrote to the licensing authority stating that the tone of the letters is threatening and appear to be deliberately misleading. For example, technically, a computer can be regarded as "TV receiving equipment" because, legally, the term is applied to any equipment capable of receiving broadcasts whether used for that purpose or not. After several exchanges of letters, I finally got written confirmation that computers will only be regarded…
Yes. I've received these too and we don't have TV. I also wrote to the licensing authority stating that the tone of the letters is threatening and appear to be deliberately misleading. For example, technically, a computer can be regarded as "TV receiving equipment" because, legally, the term is applied to any equipment capable of receiving broadcasts whether used for that purpose or not. After several exchanges of letters, I finally got written confirmation that computers will only be regarded as "TV receiving equipment" if they have actual evidence of it being used for that purpose (this does not include watching iPlayer, which does not require a licence). Nowhere in the initial threatening letters is this information provided and obtaining it took at least five letters from me, the last one threatening to take the TV licensing authority and the BBC to court with a charge of attempted extortion (demanding money and issuing threats).<br />
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The letters also fail to point out the limitations of the "enforcement officer's" powers. They have no right of entry into your home and may only do so in the presence of a police officer if they have actual evidence of licence evasion. As the authority has equipment that can accurately pinpoint households using a TV, there is no justification for sending out these letters to unlicensed addresses without first checking to see if they are actually using a TV.<br />
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The letter also fails to point out the householders rights and does not clearly state the circumstances under which a licence is <i>not</i> required. In fact, the letter only acknowledges <i>one</i> justification for not having a licence and that is the possibility that the householder has <i>forgotten</i> to purchase one... and should, therefore, do so at once.<br />
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The letter demands money and issues threats. It implies that the "enforcement officers" have greater powers than they actually do. Until the language and threatening tone of the letters is changed, there remains a strong case for extortion, particularly if cases where innocent householders without a TV have been intimidated into buying an unnecessary licence can be identified.<br />
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Many such cases can be found in care homes. The law states that only one licence is required for a care home with a TV in a commonly shared space. However, residents' bedroom are regarded as "households" and require a separate licence if they have TV in their rooms. Residents who do not own their own TV are frequently sent these letters (bearing in mind that they are vulnerable people). They are being told by the <b>TV Licensing Authority</b> that they <i>must</i> purchase a licence and they are being assured by a <i>care assistant</i> that they do not. Who are they going to believe? They invariably buy an unnecessary licence rather than risk prosecution.<br />
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If you are from the UK and have strong feelings about this, please contact:<br />
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Pipa Doubtfire (Yes. That's right... <i>Mrs. Doubtfire</i>)<br />
Head of Revenue Management<br />
BBC TV Licensing<br />
Room 4436<br />
BBC White City<br />
201 Wood Lane<br />
London W12 7TS<br />
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Stress your concern that the BBC and the TV licencing authority seem to be using intimidation to extort money.