why does the TV License have to be paid in advance?

[filthiestfis]

Im currently paying for next yr's tv license via D/D on a monthly basis. This license wont begin to be v alid until february 2010 so why do I have to pay for it in advance? Why assume that I will have a tv set next year or that I will even be living in the uk (or be alive for that matter!)? Surely it should be down to individual choice and we shouldnt be forced into paying for the license ahead of time?

[factor-fiction]

It's your choice- you can either pay a full year up front or you can spread the cost using DDs which requires you to pay some money early and the rest later. That's just the way their charging works. I suppose they could offer instalments starting on the first day of the year but then they'd want to add on an interest charge just like insurers do when you pay by instalments.

[nightmare]

so, do you advocate the same thing for other annual licences or payments - e.g.road tax, insurance, angling, etc. ?

[factor-fiction]

Hi nightmare- I assume your reponse was aimed at filthiestfish's question rather than at my reply

[TCL-MUMPING]

There's various methods, http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/waystopay/index.jsp

[theshedman]

Hi, why can't we use last years licence, After all they keep showing last years programs. Lol.

[rov1200]

Its alright for the country to get in hoc wit £bns courtsey of the politicians but they don't trust the citizen to pay in arrears.

[ABerrant]

Of the 15-plus ways to pay for a TV licence the vast majority (DDs, Credit/Debit Card, Cheque) are based on the principle [as per the The Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004] that the first payment, whether it be for the full amount or an instalment (in the 2004 Regulations a first instalment is synonymous with an "issue fee") coincides with the start of the licence validity. The methods truly 'payment in advance' are the TV Licensing Savings Card and TV Licensing Payment Card.

http://cashplans.tvlicensing.co.uk/

http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/legResults.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&Year=2004&number=692&TYPE=QS&PageNumber=1&activeTextDocId=1528038

[jake-the-peg]

I know Rov

And it's OK for the country to have an army and warships and nuclear weapons but when I do it apparently
I'm some sort of Bond villan!

Perhaps it's because that's the difference between a country and a private individual!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!