Is it possible to not pay a tv license? please read!

[tweenyb]

hi is it possible to not pay a tv license by not tuning into any bbc tv and radio stations? is anyone out there doing this at the mo?

how do you stand legally/

bbc is all naff nowadays.

your helps appreciated x

[ayla99]

The only person I know who does not pay a tv licence owns no tvs, radios or computers. And they have to repeatedly explain themselves to the tv licencsing authority.

AFIK if you own equipment that is capable of receiving tv signals you have to pay the licence fee even if you've never plugged it in.

[dzug]

Legally you need a TV licence to operate a TV. You need one to watch ITV.

[lady_p_gold]

And of course you never watched any of the World Cup

[Sphinx_Svens]

If your device is capable of receiving their signal and displaying it ... you need a license, sorry. ..this applies if you only had a PC with a TV tuner card too ... doesn't matter if you watch their channels or not

[PFA]

Just to add something......................even if your PC is NOT fitted with a TV tuner card but has the ability to watch live TV broadcast via the internet - you will need one.

[buildersmate]

The Licence Fee is nothing to do with a payment to watch the BBC - that's a urban myth these days, though it might have started life that way. Its a tax imposed on those who wish to use a TV.

[Kathyan]

But doesn't all the revenue go towards funding the BBC?

[tweenyb]

thanks all that answered - spoke to a guy earier who doesnt pay his tv license and hasnt done so for 5 years - he cant tune into the bb tv or radio channels and has to have them tuned out permanently.
also he gets lots of random checks from licensing agency

and no i did not watch any of the world cup

[Michelle144567]

YES IT IS POSSIBLE- call them up, give your name as "the legal occupier", and your address. And say that you WITHHOLD all rights for them to contact you at this address for any reason by any mothod- phone, letter, or in person. They cannot legally contact you again. The person on the phone will try to argue and be rude, but be firm and know you are within your rights.

People need to realise that YOU are the one's making yourselves have to pay by assuming its law (its NOT law), by giving your details, by admitting you have a tv, by pleading guilty if caught. My brother was caught red handed in student accomodation with a tv and no lisence, and pleaded not guilty. He never heard from him again because they RELY on you pleading guilty as you think you have broken a law by not paying. IT IS NOT LAW!
Think about it- they have no right to enter your home unless you let them. The police cannot legally assist them either, so unless you allow them access, they have no evidence. That "detector van" story is insane, its a load of crap! And even if it were true, if they can't contact you, their "intelligence" is useless.

[Michelle144567]

YES IT IS POSSIBLE- call them up, give your name as "the legal occupier", and your address. And say that you WITHHOLD all rights for them to contact you at this address for any reason by any mothod- phone, letter, or in person. They cannot legally contact you again. The person on the phone will try to argue and be rude, but be firm and know you are within your rights.

People need to realise that YOU are the one's making yourselves have to pay by assuming its law (its NOT law), by giving your details, by admitting you have a tv, by pleading guilty if caught. My brother was caught red handed in student accomodation with a tv and no lisence, and pleaded not guilty. He never heard from him again because they RELY on you pleading guilty as you think you have broken a law by not paying. IT IS NOT LAW!
Think about it- they have no right to enter your home unless you let them. The police cannot legally assist them either, so unless you allow them access, they have no evidence. That "detector van" story is insane, its a load of crap! And even if it were true, if they can't contact you, their "intelligence" is useless.