To think TV licensing are complete bullies?

[dabbydeedoo]

I went online and said I didn't need a TV licence because I don't watch live TV (I don't). I then received a letter telling me someone would be round to check, and they could apply for a search warrant from the court if I didn't let them in.

Is it just me or is this absolutely ludicrous? We're in a pandemic and I have absolutely no intention of letting someone into my flat. And even if I did, what exactly are they going to do? I have a TV connected to my laptop that I use for watching streaming services and YouTube. Completely legal, but how on earth can they prove I don't watch TV on it?

It feels so bullying and scammy!

"Although it is very hard to prove you NEVER watch live TV, the TV licensing thing IS a massive controlling bullying scam."

You don't need to prove you don't watch live TV. It's for them to prove you do.

I used to work for them.

Declare WOIRA (the withdrawal of the implied right of access), then they can't legally knock on your door to check.

It's true!

@ROBERTA

precisely 👏🏼

"But why should you have to?"

You don't have to.

You don't HAVE to do anything but if you declare NLN (no licence needed) and WOIRA, they will leave you alone except for to write every year to confirm your position is the same.

@Royalbloo

are you a BBC / Crapita employee as that is some seriously bad advice which will put you on their radar

I was TV Licensing complaints manager at the BBC for several years.

I've got a TV licence. Because I watch TV.

And I don't work there anymore.

@Royalbloo

You don't HAVE to do anything but if you declare NLN (no licence needed) and WOIRA, they will leave you alone except for to write every year to confirm your position is the same.

What does WOIRA mean?

And I won't be on any "radar" 😂

"and it also annoys me that I have to fill out a form declaring that I don’t have a tv."

You don't have to do anything of the sort.

www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/421199/response/1026655/attach/4/RFI20171131%20Disclosure%20document.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

Basically, they can't knock on your door. This forbids them.

And I'm only advising those who do not watch or record TV as it's being broadcast (so don't need a licence) of their rights.

Obviously, anyone who does is legally required to buy a licence and can get a fine if they don't.

BeaucoupFish yeah, but not sure if they did a royal version. Anyway, just trying to be helpful to the OP. Sorry if that's irritating???!

They can still send one of their detector vans, but they can't knock on your door x

@dabbydeedoo
I think just ignore anything at Bloo toilet cleaner says and hop over to the ChilliJonCarne YouTube channel or the TVLR forum if you need any clarification regarding WOIRA

It is Withdrawal of the Implied Rights Of Access, you do not need to go there honestly

BeaucoupFish what's got your goat? You ok Hun?

@Royalbloo

I was TV Licensing complaints manager at the BBC for several years.

I have soooo many questions. :)

@Royalbloo
Step away from the alcohol or whatever now RoyalBloo as I am getting the impression you are attempting to detail the thread with your hallucinations about detector vans 😂

BeaucoupFish all I've done is provide relevant and accurate information for the OP to solve their issue....Erm....

BeaucoupFish come again?