Are TV Licence threats real?

Generally speaking, everything that BBC/TVL routinely does is non-statutory (has no legislation behind it) and therefore you can ignore it. This includes the threatening letters and the routine “home visits”. None of the demands and coercion in the letters has any legal significance and they can all be safely ignored.

Can TV Licence check if you watch TV?

You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service – such as ITV Hub, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV or Sky Go. You don’t need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer.

How can I avoid paying TV Licence?

You don’t need a TV Licence if you never watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel, or live on an online TV service, and you never download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer – live, catch up or on demand.

Does anyone get prosecuted for not having a TV Licence?

If you don’t have a licence or fail to repay your arrears, you could receive a court fine. It’s a criminal offence to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer unless you have a valid TV licence.

Can I just ignore TV license letters?

While there is nothing unlawful about having a television without a licence, TVL/BBC will automatically assume that it is receiving broadcasts. iv) TVL/BBC sometimes send letters by recorded delivery, requiring your signature. This enables them to confirm your identity and update their database.

Should you ignore TV Licence letters?

Just ignore them. We’ve not had a license for years, used to watch all the on demand channels – now ignore iplayer after the change in law. We’ve had tv licensing round twice over a few addresses and all you need to do is tell them to go away and dont come back. Don’t give them any information!

Do TV license inspectors have right of entry?

TV Licence Inspectors have no right of entry into a person’s home without a search warrant issued by a magistrate. Warrants are rarely issued to TVL, so unless an inspector claims to be in possession a warrant and can produce the genuine article, they have no power of entry. “You do not have to say anything.