"I'm SUING TV Licence Chiefs" - Ex-BBC Scotland Lawyer On 'Threats' Served To Him Over Licence Fee

[@robinburn4974]

At my age the worst part of receiving these increasingly threatening letters, is having to bend down to pick them up to put them in the bin

[@karentanner4002]

Me too 😂😂😂 Xxx

[@grahamgibson3737]

My postbox is right next to my bin, makes it much easier.

[@EspressoBaby]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kencampbell-rf6ot]

Amazing.... thanks for making me smile

[@schrodingerscat1863]

Same, if they actually did visit I would simply say 'no thank you' and shut the door in their face. If you are concerned about them coming to your house simply write to them removing their implied right of access to your property. Then if they come round you can sue them for trespass. Anyone with an elderly relative I would highly recommend removing their implied right of access. They actually took a young woman with learning difficulties to court the other week, absolute disgrace.

[@EDcase1]

The whole concept of TV Licensing is out of date and totally ridiculous

[@MikeEves]

That's pricesly why I don't pay it

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

You don’t have to pay it exist or not the way it works is you consent to it by allowing contact. And providing a name never talk wrote or provide names. Iv never in my life had a tv licence and every so often I get a letter or coupon type thing they change every few months to make you think it’s threatening wen all it is is a computer generated package. Put it in the bin it’s addressed to the legal occupier THERE IS NO SUCH PERSON

[@EDcase1]

@@audie-cashstack-uk4881 Legally if your TV CAN receive live broadcasts such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4 etc then you are obliged to have a license even if you don't watch any. If they don't have your name on file then you are lucky but people DO get fined for not having it if caught.

[@Kingcarparpeggio]

@@MikeEves: I agree…..it is a bit pricesly 😂😂

[@Kingcarparpeggio]

@@audie-cashstack-uk4881: You need some serious English tuition !!

[@rossmansell5877]

The Culture Secretary has asserted that the BBC should not have the authority to prosecute individuals for not paying their TV licence fee . THEN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!

[@robtheplod]

Steady.... shes a Tory!

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

They dont. But that doesnt stop them from harassing you till you do and even if you already have. If your name comes up on the system then its your lucky day to take them to court for bullying and harassment. Bullying in the way of them using legalese on the letter in a way to intimidate or _'bully'_ you into paying if you havent already paid for it.

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@robtheplodYou don’t think Mr Starmer will act any differently do you? 😂😂

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@Rose.Of.HizakiI never get harassed by them and I cancelled my license 5 years ago. Had 5 letters in all that time, none threatening ones. It’s when you don’t actually cancel your license that they bother you. I’ve had one visit and the guy apologised to me. Know your rights and how to deal with the goons.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

@@personalcheeses8073 Oh great. we can get the guy in this video to cancel his lawsuit then! What a great Samaritan you are saving the billions of British People time and money from having to pursue BBC legally to get them to stop sending legalese worded letters of intimidation! We should build a statue of you and place it in Trafalgar Square in your honor!

[@davidsimpson2685]

Don’t ever make contact with them in any way.

[@JonathanTyas]

I would say declare no license needed, however since capita have lost millions of pension fund details, including their own employees, I wouldn’t trust them with anything.

[@mf_rat]

@@JonathanTyas declaring that to them just gives them your details to harass you more personally afterwards.

[@ant7936]

Over 6 years I received 57 threatening letters, but no visits. Why didn't I reply? Because it's not my business to do _their_ paid job.

[@davecooper3238]

Yep you can have the feel good feeling that you are keeping people in work.

[@ant7936]

@@davecooper3238 Probably a computer spitting them out!

[@TimmysFavs]

Abolish the TV licence.

[@MikeEves]

Just don't pay it. There, abolished

[@ef7480]

No good protesting 'abolition' if you are still paying for it.

[@davidcowley]

Scrap the license fee

[@MikeEves]

You scrap it yourself

[@SirReginaldBlomfield1234]

@davidcowley Just don't buy one David. Sorted.

[@bobc5678]

TV licencing shouldn't be allowed to have closed courts.

[@chewie8]

The BBC licence fee visitors are only salesmen. These people are paid per sale and will do anything to get a sale.

[@spud7823]

😊Agree to a visit, put your terms and conditions, IE £1,000 entry £100 for every 5 minutes, don't forget the retainer, after all it's commerce.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

exactly, they're door to door salesmen. Give them the same short shrift the rest of door to doors get.

[@harrish6]

Good to see an ex bbc Lawyer experiencing first hand how the bbc treats innocent people. No institution can survive in these times acting as they do.

[@chrissymon]

@harrish6.. they can survive (hopefully not for too long) if the bent government allow the relentless harrassment.

[@mrpaul5726]

reap what you sow

[@PastaSauce.]

Shame it took something to effect him personally till he took action. Weak.

[@Alexynr]

I've said it before and I'll keep saying it , the BBC should be cancelled

[@pigswillbepigs]

You’ve just copied what I wrote.

[@suecharnock9369]

Totally agree. They have outstayed their welcome

[@kentcyclist]

😢

[@digidol52]

Totally agree. There's rarely anything worth watching on the BBC - endless repeats and old rubbish dragged up from 40 years ago.

[@mypointofview1111]

YES ABSOLUTELY

[@JoannaHammond]

He's wrong, you open the door, they say tv licensing, say nothing and close the door. Anything you say will be used against you.

[@lizvickers7156]

If you have nothing to hide then I would let them in. No point in making them more angry than necessary. I got rid of my license 2 years ago and haven't had any threatening letters. No knocks on the door. You follow the rules and they will leave you alone.

[@JoannaHammond]

@@lizvickers7156 Unfortunately they don't follow the rules. I have no need for a license and I have no intention of verifying this to a complete stranger. If you say nothing, do nothing they have nothing to use to get a warrant to gain entry. You have to give them some information to get that process started. EDIT: If they where really serious about this then all live signals would be encrypted and require a "subscription" to watch.

[@alansharman3644]

@@lizvickers7156 Not yet you havn't. I sujest you visit chilljoncarne to get the best advise. from the people yhat know.

[@jenniriley482]

​@lizvickers7156 no no no!! NEVER let them in even if you are legally licence free these door to doors ales men will fit you up... many have learned the hard way. Just say no thanks at the door, shut it and move away from the door. Never ever let them in. Never. Ever!!

[@jenniriley482]

P.s. you obviously filled out the no licence needed declaration or spoke to them on the phone. This is supposed to stop the letters and harrisment but it doesn't always. And you do not have to even let them know. Do you in form the gun club that you do not need a gun licence because you don't need one? No!! Same with tvl.

[@fatbelly27]

Never threaten an old Glaswegian lawyer

[@Rob-uv8bu]

Glasgow kiss

[@1peskytim]

I enjoy regularly getting the ridiculous letters from TV Licensing. The more resources those vile racketeers waste, the better.

[@robbieelmes6780]

But the water resources are paid for out of the Licence Fee!

[@Isclachau]

@@robbieelmes6780What has water got to do with anything 😂😂

[@TheXeroid]

@@robbieelmes6780 Not out of my licence fee, they don't get a penny from me.

[@kevinmaltby4202]

I've kept every single one of the disgusting, threatening and intimidating letters sent on behalf of the BBC as evidence of their behaviour. I just hope one day I can be part of a large class action against the BBC regarding this outrageous behaviour. And it may be 'Capita' who are the collecting agency but I think the BBC has a duty of care regarding how this money is collected. But then again this is the same organisation that protected Saville and is consumed about the 'current thing' which is wokeness and trans-gender non-sense.

[@robtheplod]

The Government grant the BBC an exception to send out the material they do.... you need to talk to your MP to ask why they allow it.

[@justinformed7367]

Providing that you haven't opened your letters, you could label them 'return to sender, the occupier not known here'. TVL will be forced to pay all the return postage.

[@robtheplod]

Afraid not, TVL have an agreement these are not returned....@@justinformed7367

[@Adrian-ek8hu]

I don't understand why a class action hasn't already happened or someone hasn't taken them to court.

[@personalcheeses8073]

@@justinformed7367I never get any letters from them. I think it’s because I actually cancelled rather than just stopped the DD

[@gh8447]

I let my TV License lapse and I've been getting TV License's threatening letters every month since October 2021; I just laugh and file the letter away for posterity. They've run out of threats; I'm now starting to see the same letters for the third time. I've had multiple investigation visit warnings and they've never shown me the courtesy of actually turning up. The letters aren't addressed to me personally and, as I'm under no legal obligation to do so, I've no intention of telling them I don't need a TV license. Screw 'em.

[@paulguy2545]

Same for me, only I’ve been getting their Empty Threats since 2018! They’re absolutely pathetic!

[@rog3833]

Well Done thats exactly what you should do. Bin the letters and tell them to piss off at the door. Ive got 9 years worth of letters lol.

[@paulsennitt2079]

Same as

[@naheed03]

Your approach is thick 😂

[@gh8447]

@@naheed03 Your comment is ambiguous; context please?

[@anthonyshortland7920]

The BBC must go.

[@davecooper3238]

I spend a lot of time watching & listening to the BBC I am very pleased with their output. BBC iPayer, Sounds etc makes it cracking value.

[@spudhead1161]

​@@davecooper3238Cracking value? lol

[@satoau1]

i would say the leadership of the bbc must go, and the next leadership should be selected based on merit. when we promote people based on identity it gives them the conviction that they are right and thus any opposition must be wrong.

[@johnowen1677]

And their advert says that the have gone paperless. Obviously except for their threatening letters.

[@davecooper3238]

@@johnowen1677 It say the licence has gone paperless. Not the reminders.

[@grannytakesatrip1128]

Sadly nothing will change, it's here to stay. The status quo will prevail. The British Box-ticking Corporation will continue to receive their licence fee, and TV licensing will continue to send out threatening letters, whichever political party is in office. If you are unhappy with the British Box-ticking Corporation, just simply cancel your TV license. There are other ways you can watch your TV without a TV license. I cancelled mine years ago.

[@Phoenix2312]

Indeed! Even if the TV license is Scrapped... All the political Parties are considering a "Media tax" ... So you woudl end up having to pay the BBC even to use KZbin or Twitch! It will most likely be added to your Broadband Bills... The only other thing that people can do is REFUSE to engage any BBC programming period on ANY BBC OWNED CHANNEL! However, most dont know how many channels the BBC actually own... The BBC own outright the UKTV network on Freeview for starters! So there is at least another 15 channels you cannot watch! The TV license is essentially a Subscription Service... So in my view, The BBC should go Subscription! Dont pay, You cannot receive any BBC owned Channels!

[@Kivetonandrew]

I cancelled my licence two years ago. Since then I've received 19 threatening letters and two visits from their informers. I was away from home both times. I find it farcical to the level that I find their inforcement tactics highly amusing. I'm a pensioner in my 70s but they don't scare me at all.

[@petercrawford2912]

Well said mate

[@boogieknee3781]

Cancelled mine two decades ago. Received 20 letters in the first year no matter what I did. The best part about everybody else going digital was that I checked with them and yup .... PS2 plus a dedicated monitor doesn't require one. I have an extensive Dvd library,and I am perfectly happy to buy old boxsets for 20p each.... DO THE MATH ...Less time wading through ads. ...I ...PICK....what I want to see. ...I set my own schedule I don't pay money to support a CORRUPT INDUSTRY the money I do pay goes directly to a CHARITY (FYI ....my spare dvd player cost me £6....its replacement remote....£1) Analogue tech rocks. Easy to fix. Just look after it.

[@niv8880]

If they come to the door, you should ask them to leave. You are not obliged to tell them anything and should not communicate with them - unless they are accompanied by a police officer and have a warrant.

[@joeinjun401]

My Father said once "You come to my home with threats, and I'll show you what I've got in my kitchen cutlery drawer" My old man didn't have an educated background but nobody EVER brought intimidation to our door. Stand your ground people.

[@MisterAndrewBuckley]

In order to prosecute they have to have evidence, to get evidence they have to enter your property, to enter your property they have to have a warrant, to get a warrant they have to have evidence. So don't talk to them and never let them in

[@davecooper3238]

Many people watch via the internet. All usage logged by your ISP. Due to anti terror legislation those logs are kept for five years.

[@tippyphil]

The post office did t have evidence…….

[@davecooper3238]

@@tippyphil They knew it was unreliable. It’s come back to bite them big time.

[@bazzbazza2786]

They would need a court order to obtain your information from the Internet provider.

[@davecooper3238]

@@bazzbazza2786 The law could be changed.

[@traceybentham6214]

I knew of several elderly people who this happened to even though they had a free licence because of their ages. One couple on the same day had 2 men drive to Lincolnshire, one in the morning the other at teatime to demand they buy a tv license. When the elderly gentleman asked them where they had come from they both replied Wales! Both left with their tails between their legs when he showed them the free license!

[@tech10k14]

Everybody STOP paying the extortion tax, and tell the goons NOTHING.

[@jimosullivan1389]

Then they would have to not watch the shite...and have to use their brains.....read a book, etc etc.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

I think everyone should just refuse to pay the license fee.

[@robtheplod]

80,000 people a month cancelling is the current rate, so thats good!!

[@ericmilligan3]

I think refuse is the wrong word, it implies that you have to buy one but won’t. But I get what you mean.

[@ef7480]

You're on the ball today...

[@dees3179]

It will be put on council tax.

[@Tom_murray89]

The sooner the license is scrapped the better

[@frontman010]

There is absolutley no need to feel intimidated. Capita are totaly powerless. Simply answer the door, ask for I.D. Say not today thank you and close the door. They work on commission. They are simply sales people. They will not waste there time coming back. I have been legaly licence free for 6 years, never had a single knock. I hope I get one lol.

[@RonaldShea5680]

The sickening greed of the bbc and its employees is truly nauseating.

How can any business demand and threaten people for not wanting to use their services is beyond me. How can any business make people pay an enforced subscription service when they don't want it. 🇬🇧

[@alexalston3001]

and why have they been allowed to do it for so long?!

[@mf_rat]

Council tax. If you use a private bin collection and have your own water source, you still have to pay.

[@Barbarapape]

This is what is needed, a test case in court against Capita. Other companies would have been in court years ago if they sent out similar letters. How is it that any comapny employed by the goverment can get away with illegal activities? Let justice be done, i hope this lawyer wins, and then something might be done about the threatening letters and the enforcement officers who in realty are just salesmen.

[@Pdub123]

Why do they keep talking over him

[@CountMackula]

Time constraints

[@henryellis1358]

I don't have a TV extortion certificate, I live on my own now, so the regular harassing letters make me feel I have concerned friends at the BBC.

[@kencampbell-rf6ot]

Briliant, a friend i deed

[@Syptah47]

😂

[@danny5748]

If tvl comes to your door. Close it in their face and more importantly..... Don't sign anything! BAN THE TV LICENCE.

[@kevincartledge2651]

let the man speak ffs...stop butting in when he is explaining clearly whats going on

[@fanfeck2844]

He’s very bad for that

[@alexalston3001]

they try to fit too much into too short a segment. It's a mainstream media trait, everything is rushed.

[@niv8880]

@@fanfeck2844 Radio 4 in the morning.. but them politicians bring it on with their dodging the answers strategy we can all see

[@bty2550]

Can’t understand why the big media companies aren’t more vocal about all of this nonsense. Can you imagine Tesco, sainsbury and Morrisons reactions if it became a thing that you had to pay Asda a fee to go and shop in them?

[@Lord-Sméagol]

It's more like having to pay Waitrose [very expensive there] whenever you shop at Tesco, Asda, Lidl, Aldi ... and ALL others!

[@briangeorge5935]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@allwaizeright9705]

TV Licence has got tp be the WORST THING that the UK has done...

[@nheather]

I'd say that it has become a bad thing. I used to be content to pay the licence fee because it was reasonably priced and the BBC produced good stuff. Now though, they have repeatedly hiked the price and mostly produce rubbish.

[@allwaizeright9705]

Pretty Much - They used to produce really good stuff - there a few shows that are still decent but for the most part - it's all rubbish..@@nheather

[@TheXeroid]

I think it is a great thing. It allows those that want to watch TV, to buy a licence and those that don't, do not have to. A media tax applied to council tax will have to be paid by everybody, TV or not!

[@nheather]

@@TheXeroid Half agree. If you don’t want to watch Live TV (or iPlayer), I agree, the TV Licence is the best solution, because you can choose not to have it, much better than a tax where you will be forced to pay the BBC even if you don’t watch any TV. But if you do want to watch some Live TV, but not BBC, it is rather irritating that you have to pay the BBC for the pleasure.

[@TheXeroid]

@@nheather Yes you are correct, not all live TV should be covered by the licence, after all, TV companies getting revenue from advertising should not be prevented from reaching target audiences just because the current licence system is an all or nothing model, which is why I cannot understand why those same TV companies are not up in arms about the current licensing system. If the BBC want a licence then fine, but they shouldn't prevent viewers who wish to view alternative live broadcast programming.

[@TerribleFire]

TV Licensing is disgusting. They've abused their prosecution powers the same way the post office did.

[@FishTillYouDrop]

Never open the door to someone you don't know. It'll never be good news. Most people do it out of politeness. If you forget always let the person at your door speak first don't reply just simply shut the door. They are salesmen with the same powers as a person trying to sell you double glazing.

[@marsluco1917]

Why is there an automatic stance that you must have a TV Licence? No, you don't need one, no live broadcast or BBC on iPlayer, no need of a licence

[@elemar5]

What sort of people actually hit the dislike button on videos like this? Must be BBC/Capita employees.

[@markrhodes5828]

We should all sue them for harassment

[@petercrawford2912]

That is what is needed

[@keithbessant]

They picked on the wrong guy this time. I thought of doing this myself, but felt it would just cost me in legal fees and wouldn't get me anywhere. When I told them I didn't need a licence, the threatening letters stopped. Times have moved on and the BBC are losing the battle. Surely now, thanks to the internet and cheap dvds, the number of people who want to watch live TV without a licence must be vanishingly small, and they must know that.

[@mmckenzie8085]

Very surprised he in the first place paid twice. Education or not I don't know of anyone silly enough to do that.

[@sandradavies7804]

"Most cases in England and Wales will go through the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), which means you may be able to have your case decided by a magistrate without going to court.......The SJP Notice sets out what you have been charged with and the facts of the case (known as the evidence). You will need to respond to the notice by pleading guilty or not guilty within the deadline given on your letter. " I don't know how the TV licencing people decide to undertake this procedure, but if you don't need a licence according to their own rules (ie you NEVER watch ANY live TV or BBC iPlayer), and you get one of these slapped on you, isn't that rather tantamount to being prosecuted for stabbing because you have a drawer full of knives, or speeding because you own a car? What happened to "innocent until proven guilty" ?

[@derthephoto2882]

They can only take you to court if they have evidence. A judge needs evidence to "judge". The only way they get evidence if you give it to them by talking to them, or heaven forbid, you let them in. No evidence, no case, no judgement.

[@ditch3827]

@@derthephoto2882 Sadly that is not always true with the Single Justice Procedure. If you do not respond to the SJP notice within 21 days then you can be convicted without evidence. This was how a mentally disabled person who had no had not capacity to do such things was recently convicted when the council, who were managing her affairs, neglected to renew the licence.

[@My2up2downCastle]

I have a problem. I am NOT a customer: don't have a tv: have no interest in watching ANY tv programmes on ANY device, live or otherwise..... and haven't for 5+ years..... the bbc still send me "you might be a criminal" letters. When you declare that you don't need a license, on their website, you are offered just 4 or 5 multiple choice options as to the reason why you don't need one..... there is no option to choose 'I am not a customer, have no interest in watching tv programmes, live tv otherwise, on any device and do not possess a television'. ..... therefore, it seems they have free reign to harrass people with these acidly worded letters assuming and presuming one is breaking the law .....it's gaslighting! Mental abuse, basically.

[@Wilksey75]

You don’t need a TV license! Everyone’s been Conditioned in to thinking you need one and have to have one,bollocks to the BBC and mainstream TV, a load of rubbish

[@rothwellcoe]

When a tv licensing goon comes to my door I say nothing and close the door. there is not a thing that they can do about it.

[@RD-ox3ce]

If they think I’m paying for Linekers wages they can think again

[@leanatale7251]

Anyone who pays for a TV licence is complicit

[@robtheplod]

Indeed. So many people post 'why should i be forced to pay', then keep their direct debit going!

[@frontman010]

Im afraid many are all mouth and no trousers! If we all stopped paying the BBC would fold in a day. They are only going after easy targets now.

[@RonaldShea5680]

Millions of British households no longer pay the bbc poll tax, why not join them?

[@petercrawford2912]

The problem is my missus she has been caught before

[@ndwilcock6575]

DO NOT talk to these people. If they arrive at your home tell them to go away. DO NOT engage them in conversation. They have no right of access other than with a warrant granted by a court and the ONLY way they can obtain evidence justifying the issuing of such a warrant is by anything you have said to them or something they have seen in your home.

[@roblawson9422]

Don't watch BBC or iPlayer. Ignored every letter for years. Politely said no thanks and immediately closed the door when visited by pretend officer( salesman). The letters just keep on coming and visits keep on happening.....ridiculous!!

[@Ralphs-House]

35 years without watching any form of 'live' broadcast so I don't need a licence but just imagine how many letters I've received in that time - many hundreds of them. I imagine this whole issue won't be tackled at all but the funding transferred and added on to some existing tax, so someone like me will end up subsidising my neighbours. That isn't right either. The 'golden age' of the BBC has long gone now. The fairest way is for it to stand on its own two feet like ITV and others.

[@Jamiep84]

They are allowed to harass people if it's "for the purposes of preventing and detecting crime". If TV Licence "evasion" were decriminalised, all of the intimidation and the threats would have to stop.

[@peterbuckley3877]

Just think of how many people who don’t have a legal background that go through this harassment and bullying every day of the week and cave to these threats. This company should be prosecuted for their business practises and the licence fee abolished.

[@nobbybrown8056]

Thank god someone is doing this, it needs to be stopped immediately, no other business could get away with threatening people like this. The government MUST stop this now!

[@Sadie595]

If the sales people knock and ask are you mr/Mrs.........? Don't say yes, don't admit your name or address, 1st thing you say is who are you, and when they say there from TV licence, politely say mo thank you and shut the door. They can't do anything, they are not enforcement officers, they are tv sales people that work on commission

[@harley1200davidson]

Not a good idea to withdraw the implied right of access. This only tells them that you've got something to hide and will encourage them to come back.

[@jasonkirkham7243]

This is all old news this has been happening to the British public for years

[@LincsEnigma]

I just recycle the letters as junk mail and have done so for the last eight years. I have informed them once which is all that is required, I don't need a TV License as I do not watch or record any live broadcast TV or use the crappy iPlayer to watch crappy programs the BBC shows.

[@stevencook6750]

The BBC are disturbingly selective with whom they will and will not approach.

[@obeanddarth]

If you don't watch any live TV channels or use BBC iPlayer then you don't need to have a TV licence

[@andys6163]

please also sue them for lying to people about "detector vans"

[@glennedwards1449]

I along with tens of thousands of others have been subject to this intimidation I have lost count of the number of red letter saying a visit has been approved. Of course no one turns up it really is a computerised system and all done automatically which is why this bloke gets no results when he communicates with them. I cannot stress enough if an enforcement officer turns up at your door just say no thank you and close the door they have no legal rights any more than a double glazing salesman. They will lie to you are about you and are definitely on a commission basis. One young Enforcement officer lied to my face thinking I was old and didn't know my rights(I did that is why I talked to him) and said If I owned a TV I needed a licence This gas not been true probably before he was born. It is 100% legal to own as many TV's as you like as long as you do not watch live TV

[@Mistersandyrobertson]

They prosecuted a woman with learning difficulties who had no control of her finances when the council department who handled them forgot to renew her licence. The council pled guilty on her behalf even though it was their mistake!

[@seanbranagh]

I get the letters once a month and have done for many years. I simply laugh at them because I know they are total nonsense, but so many are frightened by these ridiculous bully tactics. We absolutely need to get the message out there that these letters are complete nonsense and can be safely ignored. The only way people can get prosecuted for not having a TV license is if they engage with these people on the doorstep. Many of the the people who have been prosecuted genuinely do not need a TV license (they do not watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer). If you do get a visit you simply ask who they are (they may or may not identify themselves) and say no thank you and close the door. Give them absolutely no information. Do not confirm that you live there. Do not give them your name. These "enforcement officers" have no authority and and are nothing more than salespeople and can only get information from you if you voluntarily give it to them. You are under absolutely no obligation to engage with these people nor do you have any reason to. I personally believe that video doorbells are a great idea also to protect yourself if you do get a visit.

[@rushelm8101]

Sounds as though it should be a class-action.

[@matthewwheeler64]

I really don't understand why anyone would buy a TV license .

[@MrTpain1945]

You made the same mistake twice. You bought a Licence

[@edwardshaw4294]

Simple answer to these "Salesmen" if and when they call is to open the door,ask who they are,and when they reply TV Licensing say no thanks and shut the door.Job done.

[@rbir2653]

Why are you lemons still paying the tv licence. If you just watch netflix or youtube you don't need to pay. Cancel your tv licence today.

[@chrisyoung9653]

Tv licence came to mine about 3 years ago. The whole street made sure they never came back. Btw they are only salesmen with no authority.

[@jfdomega7938]

Exactly that, salespeople working on commission. They try to scare you with words like inforcement officers. They have absolutely no powers whatsoever!

[@G0LGS]

My Dad used to get the threating letters even though he had a licene, all that stopped when he reached the age when the licence became free, but I've not heard from him recently about the situation.

[@Broomfondle1]

Don't ever tell these people to get a warrant because they will!

[@Sierra-Golf-19]

These people can only obtain a warrant of they have any evidence of an offence being committed, in this case watching live broadcast TV without a licence. Simply saying come back with a warrant is not sufficient grounds to obtain a warrant.

[@chrissymon]

​@@Sierra-Golf-19Correct. Simply say no thankyou and go away.

[@FishTillYouDrop]

Good advice. ​@adrumchapelbear2187

[@ditch3827]

@@Sierra-Golf-19 The don't need evidence just reasonable suspicion

[@ef7480]

@@ditch3827 - where do you think 'reasonable suspicion' derives from? An opinion?

[@victhegooner8454]

Capita are a terrible company to deal with period. They have had a few government contracts and have caused harm and suffering to people involved with their work. The BBC should be condemned for their use of this deplorable company. I speak from personal experience.

[@KavanaghBrothersBedfordRemoval]

Revoke your implied right of access, can't come on your property without a warrant from a court

[@RonaldShea5680]

The bbc fails to recognise how loathed and despised it is by the majority of the British population.

[@davecooper3238]

I quite like the BBC. Watch & listen many hours each week.

[@enkisdaughter4795]

@@davecooper3238Good for you. I’m sure then that as a lot of people decide to cancel their licences, *you* will be more than happy to pay double or even treble the current cost of your licence. Just remember that the majority of TV Licence monies go on salaries and payments to pension funds and, in a lot of cases, those payments are eye wateringly high. BTW, I’ve worked as a Secretary for a firm of Independent Financial Advisers and have seen just how much money is paid to these people.

[@finthegeek]

I also like it a lot. It’s a unique institute. It needs to change for the future but should certainly continue to exist and I’m happy we fund it

[@fissionchips8840]

Hence why he said majority and and not all and at current rate of likes and dislikes to his comment I would suggest he's correct. 51 likes to 3. He said majority and not all 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@davecooper3238]

@@fissionchips8840 One thing I find surprising is. How many say hate the BBBC yet then go on to say. Never watched it. Would not go near it. But still have an opinion on the BBC’s output.

[@19nick57]

Why doesn't he sue the BBC - it is they who sub-contract to Capita. I supoose it depends whether he wrote to Capita or the BBC.

[@thelemurianunicorns]

They are very very scary letters and threats ~ as I haven’t owned a tv for 20 years ~ it was shocking and I’m very glad this lovely gentleman is calling this awful company out

[@patmcbride9853]

The victims should know the names and faces behind this.

[@ryanbackvlogs7356]

Imagine Netflix coming after you and writing you threatening letters for not using their service.

[@ADHDIYuk]

It's time to stop the licence fee.

[@dcurleyifa]

It’s Capita! God why is this company still in business ? These are the same people who manage the ULEZ collections.

[@suecharnock9369]

Ha ha - so if I got a visit and said ‘I’ve never been to London in my car. Check you cameras again’ that should confuse them!

[@jfdomega7938]

Not a thing about this on mainstream media, I wonder why???

[@watchviewer]

Its a failure of successive Governments to address this fee that is now out dated. Move BBC to encrypted only service. Problem solved.

[@gary8306]

Those are just normal letters you get from the BBC.

[@bottlecapdave2021]

It seems they have been given a right to harass. I don't need a licence yet I have to stay in contact with them every other year just to say I still dont need one. If I do not comply they will start the increasingly threatening letter route. I do not want or need a licence and I don't ever want to interact with them but it seems I have little choice if I want a peaceful life.

[@melvinplant8637]

The TV LICENCE NEEDS TO BE SCRAPPED.,ASAP.

[@rweaver-eh1qn]

Nice thanks for bring this to the publics attention lets hope its a land mark case for him

[@davids8449]

For the life of me I cannot understand all the fuss,.....I stopped watching Television 39 years ago due to PR , I now have hundreds of DVD of my choice. THE END

[@aartman2]

There are no TV licences in Australia...😏

[@waynekerrr9027]

Ditch your licence folks, dont watch live tv or iPlayer, and enjoy spending the 170 quid on your family.. netflix and you tube are much better than live tv rubbish..

[@vanhooler358]

Stop being stupid in buying one in the first place, they don't deserve any cash from anyone, extortion is illegal & they are masters at it, now you know it's extortion stop giving them money.

[@Secret_Squirrel_Scottishgamer]

Just another reason the lcence fee should be abolished added to the already mountainous amount of other reasons it should be dealt with!

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Years (decades) ago the BBC had a radio ad that tried to imply a ‘Terminator’ type character was going to visit (and by implication kill you) if you did not have a TV licence.

[@shanefitzsimons8304]

Haven't had a licence for 7 years now. And never will

[@Isclachau]

😂😂These letters go straight to bin. The old fool.Everybody gets these BS letters. Don’t open them, file them in the rubbish bin, like everybody else.

[@bill-2018]

I've not had a t.v. for 24 years and not been intimidated at all. All I get every two or three years is a letter asking if my position has changed and a reminder that I might need a licence if I watch BBC programmes.. I just go online and declare I don't need a licence and it says they might call on me. I once had a card through my letter box saying they had called but I was out at the time. No problems here.

[@Janet-y2y]

I have always had a TV licence, my son purchased a laptop a few years ago to take to Afghanistan when he volunteered for tour of duty, the BBC hounded both him and me for many months demanding money with threats of court, eventually they only stopped when I sent copy of licence and pointed out they had misspelled our name. 😢

[@Talboy-p4e]

I don't have a BBC licence at all since 1993 Out dated like the council tax Who still paying for these clowns??? 21 century Thousands of channels Unfortunately Good news Free tv in prison. 24/7 Street wise tal......

[@MikeEves]

Only mugs pay for it

[@Talboy-p4e]

@@MikeEves did hear BBC licence Next year increase 187.50

[@bobc5678]

Good luck with the court case, TV licencing need to be shown for the thugs they are.

[@laurieharper1526]

I haven't had a TV for 30 odd years (and don't watch TV online, on my phone, etc). I keep receiving the threatening letters, which go straight into the bin. I would love them to actually send people to visit me, rather than just threatening me with it, so I can send them on their way with their tails between their legs. The letters go round in circles - announcing they are "investigating" me, threatening a visit and so on - before starting the cycle again.