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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bullying TV licence inspector

306 replies

LapdanceShoeshine · 30/12/2017 19:07

DD2 moved into a new address with her BF on 1st December. They had no live TV until shortly before Christmas & didn’t even think about getting a licence (it’s an old TV from when her BF lived alone elsewhere)

Today a woman knocked on the door just as DD2 was about to go out & asked “are you Mrs X?” (previous resident). DD2 said no. Woman asked if they have a TV, more or less pushed her way in to see (small terraced house, front door opens straight into living room), started demanding information like DD2’s NI number, & wanted DD2 to hand over her bank details immediately. (Despite the haranguing DD2 managed to resist this & instead signed up for TV licence on her phone in front of the woman.)

Surely this isn’t how they’re supposed to behave? Having come to see a specific person, who moved out in October, she should just have requested to see some ID & then left with a warning to get a new TV licence asap?

Any advice? I’ve suggested she make a formal complaint. The woman even read her a caution!

OP posts:
CrochetBelle · 30/12/2017 19:45

Stop making excuses for your daughter and her friend (boyfriend?) being a couple of little thieves.

Yes, the person was probably a bit abrupt (I doubt it happened as your dd says), but that is a result of years worth of people thinking they can use a service without paying for it.

Weebo · 30/12/2017 19:47

I think it is entirely fair to call anyone who chooses bully and harass people for a cash bonus as trash, yes.

I thought I was being kind, to be honest.

Original poster
LapdanceShoeshine · 30/12/2017 19:47

& she’s previously only lived in a house where there already was a TV licence so tbf it’s never really crossed her consciousness. The BF arguably should have realised but they had no TV at all until just before Christmas

OP posts:
Original poster
LapdanceShoeshine · 30/12/2017 19:49

@CrochetBelle

Stop making excuses for your daughter and her friend (boyfriend?) being a couple of little thieves

You’re a charmer, aren’t you

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 30/12/2017 19:49

Coteswoldstrife

Op never said whether dd2 was watching bbc on catch up therefore why or how would you know if a tv licence was needed from when the dd moved in?

Fuckit2017 · 30/12/2017 19:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CrochetBelle · 30/12/2017 19:52

You’re a charmer, aren’t you

If not being a thief makes me charming...
If your dd is not old or mature enough to pay her bills, I'd worry she'll get herself into all sorts of bother playing at being an adult.

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 30/12/2017 19:52

Considering she didn't have a licence, she hasn't got a leg to stand on with her "complaint"...

MongerTruffle · 30/12/2017 19:52

Capita and G4S's near duopoly on providing contracted government services is shocking. That said, your DD should have had a TV licence.

ivykaty44 · 30/12/2017 19:53

I had a tv licence chap tell me that i could go to someone else house to watch tv as that would be cheating 😂

This was before live streaming and mobile devices etc

They bully oaps into getting licences when they don’t need them, it’s been common practice 😢

ThePlatypusAlwaysTriumphs · 30/12/2017 19:54

They should have eaten the telly! ( may have watched too much "Young Ones" in the 80s...)

Allthetuppences · 30/12/2017 19:54

Wait. They demanded personal information of NI and bank details? That's somewhat off script.

Original poster
LapdanceShoeshine · 30/12/2017 19:57

@Allthetuppences

Wait. They demanded personal information of NI and bank details? That's somewhat off script.

Yes!!! That’s not right, is it?

OP posts:
Awwlookatmybabyspider · 30/12/2017 19:58

Honestly people really can't wait some times to jump and act all self righteous.
Did you not read the part where op Said. She (TV licence women) (knocked in regards to previous tenant not her dd.
She had no fucking right bursting in. The bullying bitch

Weebo · 30/12/2017 19:58

Jesus, Crochet she made a mistake that hardly makes her Bertie Smalls.

Do you work for them or summit?

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 30/12/2017 20:00

It's no wonder this site has a bloody reputation for being like a nest of vipers at times.

crazycatgal · 30/12/2017 20:03

Is Crochet the TV licence inspector? 😂

SirGawain · 30/12/2017 20:03

I utterly amazed that so many people think it's ok to evade, buying a TV licence, and then try to justify their behavior.
I don't like the TV licence system but I don't think that gives me the right to avoid paying.

InsomniacAnonymous · 30/12/2017 20:03

"They bully oaps into getting licences when they don’t need them, it’s been common practice"

You can get a free TV licence if you're 75 or over. You still need a licence, you just have to apply for a free one.

Viviennemary · 30/12/2017 20:04

So would you rather your daughter had a hefty fine to pay. She's lucky she got off so lightly. IMHO.

fizzthecat1 · 30/12/2017 20:06

I'd worry she'll get herself into all sorts of bother playing at being an adult

You sound bitter Hmm

ArchchancellorsHat · 30/12/2017 20:06

TV license inspectors are thugs and bullies. All of them, every one. No, she had no authority to shove her way in. Your DD should have had a license but she didn't know that. They presume guilt.

SimultaneousEquation · 30/12/2017 20:10

Peace and love. The world is a much nicer place to be in if we give people the benefit of the doubt. Cake

Julie8008 · 30/12/2017 20:11

The woman came looking for the previous occupant and had no authority to enter the house or demand personal information

What difference does it make, she came to the property looking for a TV licence, it didn't matter who lived there. She had a TV in the house and should have had a license. Would you rather have a £1000 fine?

Original poster
LapdanceShoeshine · 30/12/2017 20:11

@Viviennemary

So would you rather your daughter had a hefty fine to pay. She's lucky she got off so lightly. IMHO.

So in your opinion there’s no leeway? Get a licence the moment you start using a TV or else face the full force of the “law”?

(For @CrochetBelle’s benefit, despite your prejudiced assumptions, DD2 is 32 & a Social Services manager. She pays her dues. She just overlooked this one Hmm)

OP posts:
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