Hi Y'all
Well we finally did it. We let the TV licence lapse, ignored all the bullying letters (why are the Licensing Authority such thugs?) and disconnected the TV and associated hardware. We got out all our old videos, found some still in their cellophane, and sorted our music out. Started the French language course again, and catching up on our sailing techniques. Listen to Radio 4/2/5, get lots of info, stimulation and humour. Read loads more books.
Know what? It's now week 3, and we are amazed at how much more time we have. We are not tied to getting dinner over with to watch a prog on the tele, and chill out over long leisurely suppers talking and laughing together.
OH phone the LA and told them we would no longer be buying a TV licence and they were welcome to come and inspect to which the reply came "Oh we surely will" from a customer service agent with all the CS skills of a Nazi prison guard. Bring it on mate, there is little on TV to enjoy these days, and our combined blood pressures don't need pumping up with doom, gloom and despondency the like of which is pumped out on TV along with the awful reality (humiliation) TV shows, endless repeats and the ghastly Jonathan Ross. Gawd, I'm even listening to the Archers again!! Regards, Caro
We think quite seriously each time the licence comes around, we watch on average about 4-6 hours a week between three of us.
We listen to the radio, don't think I could manage the archers, though :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
I listen to the radio on the TV :-\
to be honest if it wasn't for the kids i would cancel our licence as well there are only a couple of programs a week that i watch, there nothinng wrong with listing to the archers....great program :)
Quote from: staris on July 05, 2009, 14:57:10
to be honest if it wasn't for the kids i would cancel our licence as well there are only a couple of programs a week that i watch,
I reckon I could do without TV. Last year I went 7 months without TV less 2 weeks in the middle due to work commitments. Never missed it at all. I phoned home from a landline but never missed my mobile phone neither come to think of it
We don't have to buy a license ;D
:) always watch tv a lot in June/July, Wimbledon and Glastonbury,then don't bother, have never seen the soaps/ shades x
When the switch to digital comes I'll have to get a new TV. Since I watch less and less I may well not bother and like you call it a day!
TV is getting worse, and from the replies on here most people hate Jonathan Ross, but obviously some people must like him. I am fed up with depressing programmes, casualty, how clean is your house. Mine is not too good, always out. Used to watch Countryfile on Sunday morning, but they have changed the time. We are into Heartbeat and On the buses on freeview, which even my grandchild loves. Are you being served was good too. Must be getting old, Eastenders is dreadful, but watch it occasionally for a good laugh. Think the writer must be on drugs.
Quote from: carosanto on July 05, 2009, 13:34:18
We got out all our old videos,
I think even turning on the TV even to watch videos requires a license.
But well done. I have three children. I cannot imagine a life without TV for their sakes. Apart from the peer pressure theres so many informative programmes they enjoy like cbeebies etc. Yes theres loads of crap (Mutant turtles grrrr) but a balance of TV, reading and family stuff is probably the ebst way to go for my family these days.
Congrats
Quote from: BrianK on July 05, 2009, 21:33:10
Quote from: carosanto on July 05, 2009, 13:34:18
We got out all our old videos,
I think even turning on the TV even to watch videos requires a license.
You don't need a licence if you only use your TV for watching videos/DVDs or playing games. You do, however, need to ensure that it isn't capable of receiving live TV signals ( no aerial connection).
Many thanks for the clarification. Cut the TV aerial cable!
I could be wrong, but I'm sure you need a licence for a radio as well don't you? Also, according to the chap I spoke to at tv licensing following my mum's death, if you have anything that is capable of receiving tv programmes, including computers, you still need to have a licence.
With the radio, another point to consider is legally if you play it in a public place so that other people can hear it ie on your allotment, you need another licence too. I cannot remember what it is called but I know you are meant to have one.
Cutting the aerial cable does not mean that you will get away with having no licence if you still have equiptment in your home that would allow you to watch tv - ie a tv set.
Quote from: banshee on July 05, 2009, 22:26:11
I could be wrong, but I'm sure you need a licence for a radio as well don't you? Also, according to the chap I spoke to at tv licensing following my mum's death, if you have anything that is capable of receiving tv programmes, including computers, you still need to have a licence.
I think you have been misled somewhat.
You definitely do not require a tv license to listen to a radio.
Regardless of what equipment you may have that is capable of receiving a televion signal you do not require a tv licence to:
■ Watch DVDs
■ Watch videos
■ Use a games console
■ Listen to radio broadcasts via a set top box
■ Use an online time shifted tv service such as BBC iPlayer (as long as the programme is not being broadcast at the same time)
■ Watch broadcasts from outside the UK
■ Watch recordings of broadcasts (although the person who recorded them may be breaking copyright laws unless they were recorded solely for the purposes of "time-shifted viewing")
■ watch internet video e.g. YouTube
Under the current legislation, you need a licence if you:
Watch or record live (or nearly live) television programmes.
This is the only situation in which you need a television licence.
A television licence is required no matter what kind of device is used - television sets, DVD recorders, set-top boxes, vcrs, computers, or mobile phones.
Merely owning a device that is capable of receiving live television does not require you to purchase a television licence. A television licence is only required if you actually use that device to receive live television. If you do not receive live television, you do not need a licence
Just out of interest how many people have seen what's inside a tv license detector van?
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/wpblog/?p=6#comments
Quote from: banshee on July 05, 2009, 22:26:11
With the radio, another point to consider is legally if you play it in a public place so that other people can hear it ie on your allotment, you need another licence too. I cannot remember what it is called but I know you are meant to have one.
That's another misrepresentation as it's only events or premises open to the public that are required to have PRS or PPL. Playing music on your allotment is the same as playing music at home with your windows open. If, on the other hand, you use a PA system at your Open Day, then licences are required. I should mention that my job is dealing with music played in public.
Baccy Man, whilst I don't dispute the content of you post, I have received notices from TVLA that state that if I have unlicenced equipment capable of receiving live TV programmes ( or words to that effect ) that I MAY be in breach of licencing laws, whether I USE IT OR NOT. Assuming that they will not make any statement that can be termed illegal, I wonder what circumstances this would apply?
The TVLA says a lot of things, they once told me I had purchased a tv but failed to come up with any proof of that when I disputed it, that was about 2 years before I actually did get round to buying a tv.
The tv licence is based on the Communications Act 2003 I can't see anything obvious under the definition of "television licensable content service" which would require you to have a licence if you don't use the equipment to watch or record live tv.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2003/ukpga_20030021_en_22#pt3-ch2-pb7-l1g232
There are numerous websites which specialise in dealing with the TVLA in the unlikely event that there is any truth in what they have told you chances are the info will be available on one of them.
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/theweb/index.php
All them channels and bugger all on them,maybe if they got rid of the soaps,reality shows and daft game shows and put something decent on you would not mind so much paying for a licence. Not too long a go telly was worth watching and the adverts was a pain now the adverts are the best thing on TV
My mother in law did not have a TV for years and they were habitually outside her house trying to prove she was watching without a licence. They even picked up the signal from next door and she had to show them she had no TV.
Im more than happy to pay my license. I'd pay it just for Radio Four to be honest. The license fee funds all the 10 BBC radio networks except for the world service - so we get to listen to the Archers and ISIHAC etc. Without the license this would have to be funded by adverts or from general taxation.
I think there is a good argument for changing what the BBC does - out with J Ross and in with more factual/scientific/proper journalism ...
I wish there was an ignore button on TV which I could apply to certain programs and people like J.Ross. I know there is the off button but when I am watching the news etc. I would like him to disappear before he appears if you know what I mean.
We used to watch a lot of Fred knocking down chimneys and with his steam engines. OH loved it and I got into it, he was a real character. Also watch Judge Judy and she seems to give sensible advice, but don't watch much in the summer, but would miss TV in the winter. Find a few old programmes on Freeview. Used to love the boating programme on Sunday night, can't remember the name but it was something we could watch with my mother and all enjoy. Dc Martin isn't bad and lovely scenery. Upstairs downstairs was good, and of course the coverage of Wimbledon is good apart from the fact the commentors talk rubbish most of the time. Better in the finals as they let you watch the game without keep making obvious comments.
well done!youve certainly set me thinking if we could give telly up one day,we certainly are watching less and less...spend most of the time flicking thru 5o chnnels to find something we want to watch! would miss the news i think,and a few other things,esp as someone else said,in the colder months when the lottie doesnt need us as much
our Tele blew up about 8 1/2 yr ago, we didn't bother replacing it !! have we really missed anything? LOL
After a month or 2 you'll wonder how youmanaged to manufacture the time to sit in front of the infernal box!!
If there was an option to purchase a radio licence, we would, BTW
I like the escapism and education from TV. Mine's staying! ;D
We got rid of the telly about five years ago because there was so little we were watching and we weren't impressed with how unhealthy it had all become, not least that dirty little man Ross.
Now there's iPlayer we even get to watch much of what we miss. Though I do now spend way too much time on the internet.
And I thought I was the only person in the world that didn't like the lovely Jonathan Ross. He certainly gets paid enough for talking rubbish, I can do that.
djbrenton and baccyman - thanks for the info, obviously I have either misunderstood or been given the wrong info in the first place.
I just need to get the tvla to stop threatening me with court action for not having a licence on my late mum's home, even though there is nothing in it to receive tv channels/radion channels or anything else for that matter. ::)
Banshee - you really need to be firm with them. I'm on a "list" that means they don't send me their stupid and factually incorrect letters every other week, and it gets reviewed every 3 or so years. I managed to do this by phoning them and speaking to 1 of the managers / team leaders. Tell them there is no TV there, the property is empty (?) and its upsetting (your late mum's house etc).
Haven't had a telly now for 6 years, the only things I miss are Wimbledon (but I got a cheap ticket this year), the olympics (winter and summer. Other than that I can honestly say I'm "not bovvered", don't really miss it at all, and don't bother watching anything via the internet either. But do love the radio :D
1066
Banshee we buy houses and do them up to sell and often get harassed for not having a TV licence at a property so now if we get 2 letters about non licensing we send a letter back saying we consider the letters to be harassment and if it continues we will take it to courtunder the Protection from Harrassment Act 1979.
We've never had to go to court. ;D
Its up to the licencing authority to PROVE that you have a TV and are using it, not for YOU to prove you don't have one!
In my mind the liscence is there to allow you to pay for the OFF button and nothing else.
I would rather pay for the upkeep of radio network, but the kids would hate me.
They have their progs to watch and its also a way of them communicating nowadays. I think its the same with all this texting on phones.
The art of communication has fallen by the wayside to some and this just proves it.
What would happen if all electrical goods failed to work?
The world would grind to a halt.
1066 and Ishard - Thanks for the advice. I have sent them letters and made numerous phone calls over the last 4 years explaining the situation, but still the continue to send me more letters. Every time I speak to them on the phone they assure me that it has all been sorted out and I will receive nothing more, a month or so later more letters arrive. (Perhaps if my brother would make his mind up what he wants to do with the property, (sell or rent) they would give over sending me the letters.)
Thanks again for the advice, I'll contact the managers and see if that helps.
Hi Y'all, Seems my post struck a plangent chord out there. Thanks for all the comments and also some of the useful info, specially on websites which support us non licence-payers.
One bit of website info I really enjoyed was the fact that TVLA personnel have no actual RIGHT to come onto your property, (unless they have a warrant). If they come in on your invitation and you ask them to leave they must leave immediately. Mmmm, very interesting, and shows what bullies they are insisting that they have the right to inspect etc.
Also the onus is on them to prove that you use your TV equipment to watch real-time TV, not on you to prove otherwise. Mind you we get no signal as all aerials are disconnected. In August Cornwall goes digital anyway, which means no piccies without new set top boxes. I feel this is the start of a brand new era!
Again, thanks to you all, A4A is A14ME!
I've not had a license since going to Uni ('79) they do stop asking eventually... ;D
I'm pretty sick and tired of the BBC and the license. Everyone I know thinks like me that they are in clear breach of their charter let alone the quality of their output. There is a guy TV licensing are taking to court for non payment and he has requested a jury trial is trying to prove that the BBC are in breach of their charter and therefore the license fee cannot be levied.
What really annoyed me was that they released a list of the highest public sector pension pots and in the top 10 are 5 BBC executives/employees with Mark Byford the Deputy DG and Alan Yentob at the top. They will get even more than Mervyn King the Governor of the Bank of England.
I used to like Countryfile but they've destroyed it and turned it into a 'lifestyle/holiday/adventure' programme. They did the same to Landward and destroyed it. The BBC simply has no interest in catering for people who live and work in rural areas. As far as they're concerned the countryside is for town folk to use at the weekends.
Hi Y'all,
A quick update. Got a letter from TVLA today saying they wan to come and inspect, (becuse a quarter of those who say they have chucked out the TV licence are, in fact, watching TV!). So we are to be deemed guilty because of that. However, I have said they can come but no way do they wander round my house, poking about.
I think I have the right to refuse them entry to the house let alone to any of my rooms although whether or not I/we do refuse will depend on how we feel on the day.I have nothing to hide, but it's just the principle of the thing. So I await their knock at the door with interest, and believe me I will not mince my words if they are the least bit snippy with me.
I will also certainly ask them to leave, as I have a right to, as and when I/we are finished with them. Watch this space!! (but not on TV lol).
By the way Cornwall goes digital next months and this will save us a packet by not buying digi-boxes for a system we feel is being foisted on us.
Caro
If it was me Caro I'd answer the door and tell them your too busy today and could you come back another day and have a TV times in your hand as if you've been reading it, well that's what I would do anyway. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Baccy Man on July 05, 2009, 23:12:42
Just out of interest how many people have seen what's inside a tv license detector van?
http://www.tvlicensing.biz/wpblog/?p=6#comments
i didn't think they had a real detector going by the number of visits I got when I didn't have a TV it was clear they couldn't really detect because they kept knocking on the door insisting I had a TV and wouldn't take no for an answer! It made it very clear they didn't really know.
Anyway Caro if you lose analogue and don't have a digital box then it proves you're not watching live TV.
Quotedigital next months
Don't get me going on the subject of digital. Luckily we have a way to go. But everytime someone uses a lawn mower we loose the signal, and there are a lot of lawns round here.
This may be of interest!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/charlesmoore/5797954/Dear-BBC-No-you-cant-have-my-142.50.-Will-I-see-you-in-court.html
Quote from: Digeroo on July 10, 2009, 18:54:32
Quotedigital next months
Don't get me going on the subject of digital. Luckily we have a way to go. But everytime someone uses a lawn mower we loose the signal, and there are a lot of lawns round here.
Until your area goes digital only you will only be getting a weak signal as soon as you lose analogue they will boost your signal...if they don't you won't need the TV licence ;D