TV licensing entry powers?

[FutureMarchionessOfVidal]

Can anyone remind me what powers a TV licence inspector (if that’s the right word) has to enter your home?

I have filled in my no TV licence needed declaration for several years now (just redid it this morning) & am confident I don’t need one as I never watch live TV on any channel or use iplayer. (I have had strongly negative views about the BBC for some time. I never even look at their news pages.)

Also I look after an elderly relative who has never had a tv in her life! (She still gets letters from them despite being in her 90s & so presumably not needing to pay for a licence anyway.)

if an inspector turns up, what entry /inspection powers do they have?

My relative would be very frightened to let them in - she has limited speech & mobility & trouble understanding & hearing. And I REALLY don’t want to let them in out of principle as I think the BBC is vile & the way we are forced to ‘opt out’ of it, with threats, is absolutely disgusting. So I would not want anyone working for the inspection regime to set foot in my home.

What rights do they have?

Very grateful for any information.

@FutureMarchionessOfVidal

They have no power of entry unless permission is given by householder or they have a search warrant

No right of entry. As long as you don't have the facility to watch bbc channels live or on catch up. Im not 100% sure if this also includes ITV, Chan 4 &5. Im guessing the assumption would be you'd still be able to access bbc if you had access to the other terrestrial channels. But definitely cannot come into your house.

They can’t come in unless you invite them. I’ve had two actually. The first one I had a tv licence and so invited him in showed him into the sitting room and the tv. He was a bit aha you have a tv you know you need a licence, he was really disappointed when I showed him my licence. The second the flat was empty so he had a look at floorboards and said someone might pop back in six months. No one did.

Thanks all.

@FutureMarchionessOfVidal Hi OP take a look at this chaps channel on YouTube, he’s an expert and explains everything you need to know. And Capita Salesmen have ABSOUTLEY no right to enter your home whatsoever.

Without a warrant, which they almost certainly wouldn't get, they have much right to enter your home as the local just water driver...none.

I dont have a TV license because I only use streaming services and watch no live TV or use BBC player. havent declared it either because I see no reason why I should declare it - if I didn't drive, I wouldn't have to inform the DVLA that i dont need a licence. In the ten years since I last needed a licence, ive had 100s of letters which go straight into the recycling. Ive had ine turn up at my door. It was before I had my ring doorbell, so answered it, and closed the door when they said who they were. Now, id just ignore the door.

You tell the TV licencing goons to FUCK OFF.

Thats ALL they deserve, promoting the filth of the BBC and their "wrong-un" celebrities.