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Original poster

Cancelling TV licence

26 replies

bettertoreceive · 10/08/2022 10:27

Since I moved into my new property six months ago, I have rarely watched 'normal' TV. Just very few episodes on iPlayer and itvPlayer (or whatever it's called), and certainly for the last 2/3 months, I've purely watched Netflix.

So I'm thinking of cancelling my licence.

Can anyone confirm for me what these statements in bold mean? Is this referring to services such as Netflix or Firestick? If so, I'll need to keep it.

Thanks.

Cancelling TV licence
OP posts:
Burgerqueenbee · 10/08/2022 10:33

As long as you don't want to watch iplayer then Netflix and other streaming services do not count as live TV. I have never had a TV licence since leaving home 18 years ago - I used to watch dvds only but nowadays do have Netflix/prime. You will get sent a letter asking you to reconfirm you don't need a licence periodically.

Discovereads · 10/08/2022 10:35

I cancelled mine ages ago. Back when you could watch BBC iplayer catch up without one. They’ve since closed that loophole.

But anyway the rules are you only need a TV license if you watch any live TV on any device (TV, tablet, computer, laptop, phone) and/or BBC iplayer.

If you are streaming on demand from a paid subscription service, like Netflix, no TV license needed. If you are watching YouTube or other streaming videos, no license.

So you should be ok.

To pass an inspection, it’s best to reset your smart TV to factory settings and then only load back on Netflix and other paid subscriptions. Don’t let it search and save the TV channels back on. You want to be able to turn on the TV and the first screen you see to be “no channels loaded” as that is proof you are not watching any TV channels at all. If they inspect you and you turn on the TV and say BBC or channel 4 pop up with whatever they are broadcasting, automatic fail. You should also never register online with BBC or delete your registration as that proves you’re not watching iplayer on the side- since you need a BBC registration to watch iplayer.

HappyHamsters · 10/08/2022 10:36

You will still need a license to watch bbc 1player

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TV
Pemba · 10/08/2022 10:58

They are unlikely to visit in my experience, DD and her partner have done this for a few years at 3 different addresses (they mostly watch Netflix, Disney and All4) and she just has to send in the declaration form that you are filling out now, at each new address. I think the last address they were asked to confirm that nothing had changed, after about 3 years. More and more young people seem to be doing the same.

You know that as well as Netflix etc you can still use the catchup services for terrestrial channels, ie ITV Hub, All4, the Channel 5 one? Just not BBC iplayer. Personally, I couldn't manage without the BBC, but DD does save quite a bit by not having a license. At £13? a month it's quite expensive.

Original poster
bettertoreceive · 10/08/2022 11:29

Discovereads · 10/08/2022 10:35

I cancelled mine ages ago. Back when you could watch BBC iplayer catch up without one. They’ve since closed that loophole.

But anyway the rules are you only need a TV license if you watch any live TV on any device (TV, tablet, computer, laptop, phone) and/or BBC iplayer.

If you are streaming on demand from a paid subscription service, like Netflix, no TV license needed. If you are watching YouTube or other streaming videos, no license.

So you should be ok.

To pass an inspection, it’s best to reset your smart TV to factory settings and then only load back on Netflix and other paid subscriptions. Don’t let it search and save the TV channels back on. You want to be able to turn on the TV and the first screen you see to be “no channels loaded” as that is proof you are not watching any TV channels at all. If they inspect you and you turn on the TV and say BBC or channel 4 pop up with whatever they are broadcasting, automatic fail. You should also never register online with BBC or delete your registration as that proves you’re not watching iplayer on the side- since you need a BBC registration to watch iplayer.

This is part of why I've not been watching tv... I can't figure out the new smart TV Blush And now I've just realised I don't really miss any of it. Apart from River City

OP posts:
Original poster
bettertoreceive · 10/08/2022 11:29

Thanks for the replies! They've been helpful Smile

OP posts:
Discovereads · 10/08/2022 11:39

They are unlikely to visit in my experience, DD and her partner have done this for a few years at 3 different addresses

An inspection is unlikely, but they do happen! I’ve been inspected once in the 9yrs we’ve declared no license and not paid. So, I’m always ready. Not going to be the 1 in 8 who fail.

zen1 · 10/08/2022 11:46

Maybe a silly question, but how would they know if you watched iPlayer on e.g an iPad if you set up an email address not using your real name just for that purpose?

Original poster
bettertoreceive · 10/08/2022 11:49

zen1 · 10/08/2022 11:46

Maybe a silly question, but how would they know if you watched iPlayer on e.g an iPad if you set up an email address not using your real name just for that purpose?

Now you mention it, I'm sure my friend said she does this.

OP posts:
coldandverytired · 10/08/2022 11:51

I was under the impression if they turn up they tend to give you all the right noises about having powers to inspect but actually have no legal authority to enter the house... so you politely decline and shut the door!

I plan on cancelling ours when we move and relying on prime and Netflix, I won't be letting them in if they fancy finding my very rural property in the first place 😂

AnotherDelphinium · 10/08/2022 11:52

Simply don’t let them in. They have no power of entry whatsoever, if they turn up confirm you are not watching any live tv or BBC service, wish them a good day and shut the door.

Discovereads · 10/08/2022 12:00

True. They can’t enter your home without your permission or a court order/warrant. If they show up alone, they have no court order but if you refuse to let them in, they can always go get one. So it’s up to you. If they show up with the police, they have a court order/warrant and can enter without your permission. I have nothing to hide so just let them in when they came by. Plus my DH is an immigrant and it’s best to avoid any contact with the court system at all when you’ve got the Home Office to worry about.

Albieroo · 10/08/2022 12:01

@zen1 - they don't! You also don't have to let them in to check Wink

dontgobaconmyheart · 10/08/2022 12:56

I haven't had a TV licence in I think around 3 years now and don't miss it at all.

I rarely if ever watch TV anyway, there's an unplugged one in the spare room nobody uses but nowhere else in the house. Nothing fanatical, it's just that neither DP nor I are bothered and use our laptops or other devices. If I do want to watch something or am in the mood I just pay for a solitary month of Netflix or Amazon Prime here and there or more often than not I'll watch something for free on Youtube, usually on my laptop, as does DP.

You can't stream any Live TV or via BBC iplayer without the licence but Netflix/Amazon Prime etc are all fine, as are catchup tv programmes on services that aren't BBC iplayer.

I notified them (there is a process to follow) that I no longer require a license so don't ever hear from them or get the ridiculous letters they threaten folks with. Genuinely not heard from them in any capacity in years so do recommend following that process those who go (legitimately) license free.

Mabelface · 10/08/2022 13:02

I've not had a tv licence for 7 years. I only use streaming services or catch up, don't live stream anything and don't watch iplayer at all. I do the declaration online every 2 years and haven't had a knock on the door yet. Not that I'd let them in anyway!

oldtableleg · 10/08/2022 13:23

why on earth would you let 'them' in for an inspection?! They have no power of entry.

We've never had a TV licence - never had a TV - I am not willing to do anything to prove that I don't need to pay for a service I don't use. They sometimes send letters - I put them in the recycling bin. About 15 years ago someone turned up asking to come in & check we didn't need a licence, I told them that obviously that wasn't going to happen & they went away.

R0BERTA · 07/02/2023 12:34

@Pemba "They are unlikely to visit in my experience"

And if they do, just shut the door.

Don't debate, don't discuss, don't explain, and don't try to justify yourself.

R0BERTA · 07/02/2023 12:37

@AnotherDelphinium "if they turn up confirm you are not watching any live tv or BBC service, wish them a good day and shut the door."

Why confirm anything? You don't have to explain/justify yourself to them.

Just shut the door.

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 07/02/2023 12:38

I cancelled mine last year. All fine so far, no letters demanding I get a licence and no visits. As pp have said, they have no right of entry to your home - tell them you are aware of the rules and are following them, and you would appreciate them following the rules themselves, ie not pretending to have the right to enter and inspect your property when they don't.

I don't cheat at all - and I don't miss either BBC or live TV content.

R0BERTA · 07/02/2023 12:40

Discovereads · 10/08/2022 11:39

They are unlikely to visit in my experience, DD and her partner have done this for a few years at 3 different addresses

An inspection is unlikely, but they do happen! I’ve been inspected once in the 9yrs we’ve declared no license and not paid. So, I’m always ready. Not going to be the 1 in 8 who fail.

Why are you letting them in?

garlictwist · 07/02/2023 12:42

We cancelled ours as we don't have the capability to watch BBC. We told them that when we cancelled but we have had a litany of threatening letters for about a year now.

Newusernameaug · 07/02/2023 12:42

I’ve not had one for years, at my new address they keep sending me threatening letters that they’re going to turn up for an inspection as I’ve not made a declaration - my view point is why should I?
I’ve not asked for their services, engaged in them, used them, have nothing to do with any of the services they provide so why should I even engage to declare this?
it’s all just a big fraud.

RichardHeed · 07/02/2023 12:43

R0BERTA · 07/02/2023 12:34

@Pemba "They are unlikely to visit in my experience"

And if they do, just shut the door.

Don't debate, don't discuss, don't explain, and don't try to justify yourself.

I’m sure she needed that advice 6MONTHS later 🙄 thanks for the most boring zombie resurrection ever

R0BERTA · 07/02/2023 12:46

RichardHeed · 07/02/2023 12:43

I’m sure she needed that advice 6MONTHS later 🙄 thanks for the most boring zombie resurrection ever

Show quote history

You're very welcome. 😊

Does it not occur to you, that others may search for, and find, this thread, and be guided by the advice given?

DogInATent · 07/02/2023 12:46

garlictwist · 07/02/2023 12:42

We cancelled ours as we don't have the capability to watch BBC. We told them that when we cancelled but we have had a litany of threatening letters for about a year now.

Requiring a TV licence isn't connected to your ability to watch just BBC channels.

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