Do I need to inform the TV people that I don't need a license?

Posted by TheSmallestPlap@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 33 comments

I don't use live TV or iPlayer in any capacity. When I first moved into my flat I did the whole I don't need a license declaration. I've recently moved and I still don't use anything that would require one. I got letters for the precious resident, and then addressed to the occupier confirming there was a change of some sort at the address. (That'd be me moving in I guess). But I just don't see the point in updating it if they're going to hound me for information. Should I do the declaration, although this requires them having my up to date information, or shall I just leave it?

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33 Comments

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GloatingSwine@reddit

They'll keep bothering you until you do.

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-KristalG-@reddit

Just inform them. It's easier than receiving nasty letters from them and having to tell license inspector to fuck off.

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

I don’t do it - let them waste their time and money. There’s no legal requirement to.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

Are there any repercussions I could face? They won't go as far as to get a warrant to prove what I say is correct? I don't allow strangers in my residence

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mysilvermachine@reddit

Yes. They have a right of entry of they visit. They can’t force entry if you aren’t there.

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ThatBurningDog@reddit

No, they can't unless they get a warrant. https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/foi-administering-the-licence-fee-AB20

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

They dont. Even on their website they dont claim that - they can apply for a warrant but they’d need to prove to a court you’re watching live tv. How are they going to do this?

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DanFraser@reddit

They don’t have a right of entry. They are sales people, nothing more.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

I don't understand why I need to prove anything, I don't need to prove I don't own a shoe-horn.

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

It makes no difference no matter which way other than you might get threatening mail from them. You still might get a salesman (sorry “enforcement officer “) come round. Just say “sorry no thanks” and close the door on them. They can’t get a warrant without evidence.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

Assuming they can't use the excuse of there being a prior-exisiting license at the address as evidence? The previous resident did have a license.

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

No Some info here : https://www.tvlicencestop.co.uk/cancel-your-tv-licence/

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Ill-Nail-6526@reddit

"No thank you" shuts door.

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Mop_Jockey@reddit

You *should* yes. More info here https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/telling-us-you-dont-need-a-tv-licence What happens if you don't... dunno, not a lot.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

That same website also states that there's no legal requirement to respond to them, the conflicting information is relentless in confusing me.

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Mop_Jockey@reddit

I'm not sure how any of it is conflicting info to be honest why do you need to be compelled by law to do something? Just like with the highways code just because you SHOULD do something doesn't mean you MUST. It's just best practice, if you want to live with the letters and what not then go ahead.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

I would rather Capita not have my data

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Mop_Jockey@reddit

Your name and address isn't secret information, I mean I kind of get your point but you said you've already done this at a previous address. So they already have your information.

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ThatBurningDog@reddit

Not the commenter you replied to here, but I find it absolutely fucking hilarious that despite living at my address for the last five years, and despite the multitude of different ways they could find my name, they still have all the letters addressed to "the legal occupier". Yeah, you're "starting an investigation". Sure thing lads, sure thing.

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Chester-Ming@reddit

If you can’t be bothered to deal with the potential endless “scary” letters, then just submit the form. Takes like 30 seconds. Or just wait for their bullshit mostly unenforceable letters and then ignore them.

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

There’s no legal requirement to tell them - they want the details but if you don’t tell them they’ll just keep sending mail. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/broadband-and-tv/tv-licence/#:~:text=If%20you're%20sure%20you,of%20letters%20coming%20your%20way. https://www.tvlicencestop.co.uk/cancel-your-tv-licence/

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Mop_Jockey@reddit

Sure, I didn't say you were legally required to do anything though only that you "*should*" let them know. You are however legally required to have a TV licence if you need one, declaring that you don't need one is an ideal way of clearing things up I'd say.

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MrNippyNippy@reddit

But why should you? You can if you want but there’s no obligation just like I don’t have to tell Durex I don’t have any condoms!

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pixelface01@reddit

Bet you listen to BBC radio stations and use the website

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flemtone@reddit

You dont have to, but to save on many annoying letters threatening you with fines and court action it's probably best to call this number, tell them you dont need a tv license at your address and DONT give them any further information like your name or phone number: 0300 555 0286

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TomAtkinson3@reddit

Precisely this. I recently got fed up of the letters so decided to give them a call. The guy I spoke to was polite and helpful and all of the personal detail questions were optional, so I didn't hand over any info whatsover Week or so later I got a letter saying they'll stop harrassing me for a while.

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Slight-Influence-581@reddit

I never have and have only had threatening letters.

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bucketofardvarks@reddit

You don't have to, but it does take 2 minutes and gets them to leave you alone for a year

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit (OP)

Why should it be a year though? I've never watched live TV outside of the pub, and my SO doesn't get letters from the butcher asking her to prove she doesn't eat meat.

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draenog_@reddit

I didn't bother at my last place, initially out of being overwhelmed with other things and later out of curiosity as to whether they'd actually ever show up. I was there for about 18 months, and it was mildly amusing to watch the letters periodically getting redder and more threatening before cycling back around to normal again.

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28374woolijay@reddit

No, ignore them, you’ll get repeated demands from them regardless.

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