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Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Higher education

TV licences...

24 replies

Peaceandl0ve · 02/10/2017 21:43

My DD is in her second year house share, she wants to get a TV licence, her friends dont. I said just get one for her own piece of mind but that got me wondering if your DCs in this sitauation have got a licence or risking get caught and having to pay a fine?

OP posts:

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Ttbb · 02/10/2017 21:50

Do they actually have a TV?

LIZS · 02/10/2017 21:54

Ds has got one shared between the household. It would be less than £1 a week each. Do they watch tv?

Peaceandl0ve · 02/10/2017 22:00

Yes they do have a TV.

OP posts:

HeadDreamer · 02/10/2017 22:01

Surely no one watches TV? You don't have to pay to watch online stuff except iPlayer. This includes itv, 4od, YouTube, Netflix, nowtv.

HeadDreamer · 02/10/2017 22:02

You don't need to pay for having a TV. It's the act of actually watching live broadcast.

LIZS · 02/10/2017 22:05

If there is a tv or other plugged in device capable of receiving bbc channels you need a licence, whether you watch it or not.

NanooCov · 02/10/2017 22:49

You now also need a licence if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer. I’d get one for peace of mind.

Keepingupwiththejonesys · 02/10/2017 22:54

LIZS that is wrong. You do not need a TV license if you're not watching live TV or iPlayer.

Peaceandl0ve · 02/10/2017 23:20

Oh dear it seems that no one understands the rules any more than me!

OP posts:

BackforGood · 02/10/2017 23:29

When you watch something on the computer, a question comes up so you have to reassure them you have a licence to be able to watch anything live.
However, I'm surprised that students watch anything live anymore. My dc have only ever watched 'catch up' and streamed stuff for years.

kuniloofdooksa · 02/10/2017 23:54

If the TV is connected up to a cable such that watching broadcast TV would be possible without any further equipment then a licence is needed. It doesn't matter if you never do watch it. If you physically could then you have to pay. Many smart tvs these days include a built in freeview receiver so will incur liability.

Blahblahboo · 03/10/2017 00:01

I've done some research Into this subject from things I've seen, polls, Facebook groups , online petitions I've been invited to sign, and even people I know who have been caught out and it might surprise you that it's not actually a law. It is a statute that once you opt into it then becomes a law . Basically if you watch TV but don't answer the door to them, or sign any documents, and if they don't know your name then nothing can be done to you.
That's as was explained to me and as I understand it

Blahblahboo · 03/10/2017 00:04

I will add I know people who use these tactics and have been license free for over thirty years, and have had absolutely nobody come to the door or anything.

youokayhun · 03/10/2017 00:11

Well I got taken to court for not having a license when I didn't actually have a tv! It was not fun!

RedastheRose · 03/10/2017 00:41

Bought my daughter one to make sure she was able to watch tv in her first couple of years since then they don't bother as no one watches live tv and they have Netflix

DOLLYDAYDREAMER · 03/10/2017 20:33

Have the same dilemma. Dd wants to have her tv in her room - she is missing Dr Foster and the bake off. One other housemate wants to bring a tv for the lounge for all to share. The other 4 dont want to pay towards licence. The would probably watch the tv in the lounge and may watch stuff on devices in their rooms. So if only 2 share the cost of the licence its quite expensive for them but the others would get use of it by default. So not really fair and Dd bit miffed they wont cough up a small amount each

HeadDreamer · 03/10/2017 20:46

may watch stuff on devices in their rooms.

They don't have to pay the TV license unless they use the iplayer. All other catch up services do not require the TV license. I don't pay because I don't use the iplayer. I declared it as such. You can get netflix for less than you pay for the iplayer. Totally not worth the money.

I can see their point of view.

HeadDreamer · 03/10/2017 20:47

And btw, the bake off now is on channel 4. 4od is also free and do not require the license.

HeadDreamer · 03/10/2017 20:49

Please see www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ8

You don’t need a licence if you only ever watch on demand or catch up programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer (and you also never watch live TV programmes on any channel, including on iPlayer).

This is from the licensing web site itself.

AtiaoftheJulii · 04/10/2017 23:17

However, I'm surprised that students watch anything live anymore. My dc have only ever watched 'catch up' and streamed stuff for years.

No sporting events? General elections (there might be another one before they finish!)? Plus stuff like Apprentice where you don't want to be spoiled ...

HeadDreamer · 05/10/2017 07:57

I can answer the elections one. You get news via social media.

DOLLYDAYDREAMER · 05/10/2017 19:20

Thsnks I have read all the rules. But some are ambiguous. So if they watch any programme on any type of device when it is scheduled or +1 or +24 etc. then they need licence. If they watch same programme some random time then they dont. Cannot see the sence in it or how theypolice it. If they dont get licence and someone comes to ask, how can you guarantee that one of them might give the wrong answer. Was hoping they would all agree to chip in as there are 6 and its only £25 per year each

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OurMiracle1106 · 05/10/2017 19:23

As it's a house share, if they have seperate tenancies then each and everyone of them that is watching live tv or BBC iPlayer on catch up will need a licence.

HeadDreamer · 05/10/2017 21:56

dolly it's not +1 channels that are free. They are broadcast. The free ones are on demand. It is very easy to tell. Basically +1 channels are shite because it's not on when you want it. No one under the age of 30 watches broadcast I would thin&. Except sports.

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