What's this rubbish about the TV Licence

[@Steve-zh6zn]

Why should I pay the BBC to watch a NON BBC channel? I don't have to pay Tesco to shop at any other supermarket or shop. It doesn't make sense to me.

[@williamgardner2739]

Maybe we should charge the BBC a fee for SEX with our partners, the service is there whether they do or don`t use it. Fair is fair i say i wonder how the BBC would respond to that?

[@juliette2439]

Just another criminal tax

[@jmshrrsn]

The TV Licence is an anachronism, much like the organisation it funds.

[@paulclairethomas1344]

They must of got their inspiration from Amazon..as you have to pay to shop there..What a society we live in

[@stefanr.3495]

Yes, it aplies even for watching live tv from other countries, via streaming or satellite...

[@jimcazador6057]

Let the BBC compete in the open market like any other broadcaster.

[@iamrocketray]

NEVER going to happen, its the governments main propaganda machine and as the Gov controls the purse strings, the BBC does what its told.

[@123roger4321]

Yes that’s the answer for the bbc as they know they are protected by the government which is where the debate should be made for them to ether go behind a pay wall or go commercial

[@bloodreport146]

they do compete through their sales on BBC, BBC Studios and BBC America to name just a few. They earn millions of pounds each year through these sales.

[@Demun1649]

@@bloodreport146 Over £3 BILLION, actually. Why does it need that much?

[@simongautrey]

They can't compete all there programs are shit and our beloved government makes too much money from ripping off the people

[@Waffledogchat]

I've got two great ideas, let's scrap the licence fee and also the House of Lords! The BBC needs to stand on it's on two feet and stop crying for mummy.

[@arthuroldale-ki2ev]

You mean Auntie!

[@AlanSmith-xu3lo]

Ye but this is ripoff Britain

[@amandahudson2038]

You mean nanny

[@peternewlove4123]

AND REMOVE ALL EXPENCES, TRAVEL, AND THEN CLOSE OPTION OF MPS TO APPOINT ANYONE , ITS THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE.

[@robertvipers4681]

spot on.

[@abeonthehill166]

Put the BBC on subscription , this will solve the problem democratically !

[@michelleyewdall3027]

Isn't that what the licence is

[@abeonthehill166]

@@michelleyewdall3027 ….no, if i watch ITV and not the BBC, i still must pay this Licence Fee . This is unfair and not democratic in the 21’st Century

[@dereksanders7905]

@@abeonthehill166 The TV licence is required to watch ANY tv channel and has always been so. It was never just for watching BBC television.

[@abeonthehill166]

@@dereksanders7905 …..” a Legal permission ?” …….it is there to fund the BBC and its transmitters . It also funded Saville , King and Edwards ! I do not give anyone that type of authority over me moreover, i do not need any “ permission “ to receive photons of light from this three dimensional Universe my molecular structure exists in . You keep obeying your political Elites if it makes you feel good ! 😛😉

[@johncookson9751]

@@abeonthehill166 The licence is for having a receiving device whether you watch BBC or not and applies to the device not what you watch.

[@ianbennett1491]

Why should the British people be forced to pay for a broadcasting station to stay in business.Also, why should we have to pay to watch another stations content that has nothing to do with the BBC. No other company in the country could get away with this. It is crazy that in today's world of broadcasting this shit is still allowed.😡😡🤬 .

[@bob-g3e3x]

You anwered your own question, people need to grow spines and tell the gov to go fck its self

[@fusiliers1]

How can you be forced No one in this world can force you to do nothing you don’t want to

[@saorsa5]

Bollocks to thos British people bullshit . Britain is not a country . Scottish never British .bollocks to the bbc British bias nonsense .

[@iamrocketray]

@@fusiliers1 Simple if its added to Council Tax for example and you don't pay it, you will be taken to court. If its added to your broadband fee's you will be FORCED to Pay it or lose your internet services. I say leave it as it is, then if you want to watch Live TV legally you will pay your TV license fee. If you don't watch live TV then you quite legally don't pay for a TV license, as I have done(not done?) for many years. Politicians will never change things for your or my benefit, So any change is going to cost us.

[@anonnemo2504]

No reason at all and regarding the future funding of the BBC, the report from the House of Lords may well be part of a scheme to prepare us for it being funded through taxation post 2027. This would be a method even more iniquitous than the current one and would entrench the BBC in its dire "entertainment" output and political bias in its news and current affairs programmes. Hopefully, politicians will recognise the injustice within the proposals and not give it the go-ahead but I have little confidence that they will do this and, if we have a Labour government, none at all..

[@MysteryMan-UK]

It's up to them to prove you're watching live TV without a TV licence not you to disprove. Say nothing 🤫 Sign nothing ✍️ ✋

[@rosemarymay3914]

Don’t let them in if they come they can’t prove anything if they don’t see or hear you watching live tv

[@janitia]

There is no reason today to pay for a license. The reasons for the license were made 100 years ago but things have changed and the BBC should catch up.

[@rigamortice]

Would you pay Tesco to allow you to shop at Aldi NO! but you pay BBC to watch ITV

[@JaSon-wc4pn]

The BBC should go encrypted And anyone who wants to purchase premium telly Can phone up for a unique 12 digit code. Make freeview free

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

its just extortion and attempted bullying ..

[@iamrocketray]

The Government of the day use TV to push propaganda, so they want the TV license to stay so they have a hold on The BBC in particular, e.g. withdraw/reduce funds if they don't cooperate. So any change in licensing will be to make more of us pay, NOT less!

[@iamrocketray]

@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361 Not attempted bullying, ACTUAL bullying!

[@rigamortice]

Time to scrap the house of Lords

[@davepfizer]

agreed

[@fionagregory9147]

Yes. Give money back to taxpayers or build much needed prisons with it.

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

Watching this, I'm so happy that I no longer live in the UK.

[@bob-g3e3x]

Jeffrey Archer sits in the HOL to this day, despite being convicted of a serious criminal offence!

[@saorsa5]

End the union shuv that unoin flag .

[@Wayne-wm6wq]

TV will work perfectly fine without a licence

[@crisdeeming2758]

Same as my van.

[@Leon011]

​@@crisdeeming2758what??

[@skippystirling9770]

Mine works great too

[@darenliddle4411]

funny that so does mine

[@harris4018]

it would proberly work better with out the bbc

[@peteradams408]

Drain the swamp and the Lords.

[@williamgardner2739]

Yes get rid of the lords, why do we need two governments who can`t agree with each other. Just think of the savings of money and lost time if we could scrap them for good. And that can apply` to Welch / Scottish / and northern Irish governments too. A case of two many chiefs and not enough braves.

[@oml81mm]

This is NOT about the House of Lords!

[@chrissmith2114]

BBC should encrypt their content and make it a subscription service.

[@DuncanCorps]

That'd be great, except it would disenfranchise large numbers of people who would struggle to understand how to access TV in that way.

[@scottpage3133]

That's a great idea, they'll soon scrap the fee, robbing bastards !!!!

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

@@DuncanCorps If they're dumb enough to watch Al Beeb . . . . we should care?

[@DelTangBrav]

The BBC is already a subscription service. I am (quite legally) allowed to watch certain BBC programmes on catch up via ITVX. Because I pay a subscription of £5.99 monthly to Britbox. As the BBC presumably gets a share of my subscription I fail to see how that cannot be considered to be a BBC subscription. I actually consider Britbox to be a better alternative, about half the price of a licence, as it also removes the ads from ITV programs on catch up, saving hours of time.

[@kevinfroude8679]

Would people who want to watch the BBC still be able to access the content via a normal TV set? Genuinely curious.

[@eggyboy123]

I stopped paying the tv tax 4 years ago and I have'nt missed it

[@johngaskell1384]

Scandalous robbing the public

[@kevindarkstar]

And pretty much always have

[@Chancellor638]

There should be a sim sot on every Television where you insert a BBC sim which you pay a monthly or yearly subscription this would save enforcement fees for the BBC and ensure you only paid for what you needed.

[@darenliddle4411]

only iff you pay for it

[@kevindarkstar]

@@darenliddle4411 or fall for it 😉

[@williamgardner2739]

@@Chancellor638 I agree it is a much fairer way to pay. If anyone can think of a better way, let us hear it.

[@WaynesWorldUnlimited]

If the BBC want money put adverts in and stop charging people for this ridiculous license that nobody gives a crap about

[@gdm2417]

The only BBC channel I tend to watch is BBC Parliament. I think that should be spun off to protect it from the inevitable BBC collapse. Re advertising - make the BBC show stupid, long adverts (preferably for mattresses) so that nobody watches in future.

[@3D_Printing]

Tax for propaganda and even if you hate the support of peado's

[@indigohammer5732]

Your Tax paid for the NHS to ignore Saville’s rape and necrophilia.

[@stephenleader-s9x]

What has paedo's got to do with things?

[@Zodliness]

*DITTO* I refuse to fund Britain's biggest (government backed) paedophile protection ring. 🤔😉

[@DaveThompsonfairlife4all]

Why do you spell it like that? Is it cos you're gonna talk nonsense so no need to spell it correctly? The BBC actively partake in their persecution. Yes, being treated as a criminal for who you're attracted to is definitely persecution.

[@williamgardner2739]

@3D_Printing That is why BBC means Baby Buggers Company.

[@nickfanthorpe8500]

Just stop paying it, and don't engage with them. I'm 20+ years

[@peejaygeee]

To hear that the House of lords , lack of capital’s deliberate, is involved says it all. The incumbents are paid a daily sum over double the weekly rate of the average state pension, many of them do not turn up more than a few days a year and occupy an ancient building that must cost millions per year to run. The cost of maintaining this anachronism is met by tax payers. That they should be deciding anything at all is laughable considering they were not elected. The fact that this motley crew ranging from ex footballers, bumbling ex MP’s, council leaders and personal friends of sometimes kicked out Prime Ministers says it all. No wonder we have become the laughing stock of the world.

[@briangeorge5935]

Hear hear, well said

[@steveg7368]

Absolutely, spot on. House of Scroungers is a more apt title !

[@derekpurdie7264]

I totally agree 👍

[@oml81mm]

This is NOT about the House of Lords!

[@robindumpleton3742]

Not only that but far from being Green, the government buildings in London are all heated by burning oil, in the ULEZ zone no less. Even the government have no confidence in heat pumps

[@MarkJDiez]

The tone of the letters is disgraceful, even when they acknowledge you don't need a license the letter is threatening. As you've explained, the rules for what you can and can't watch are confusing and both the letters and rules are intentionally confusing so that a conversation ends up 'entrapping' you. NEVER let them in the house, NEVER explain anything. Just say "we don't need one" and close the door.

[@petersherwood8565]

Nothing but a rip off BBC propaganda

[@brimkathstampex2306]

Quite right. The BBC is simply the propaganda wing of the Government.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Ive not had a license for over 32 years. I dont want one and will not pay for one in any guise

[@martin4787]

If they put the tv tax on to Council Tax, I will simply not pay the tv tax portion of the council tax. I do not watch anything on the BBC and I refuse point blank to pay for it. They can lock me up for all I care, they can't lock us all up.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Keep a cell bed for me then as I will be joining ya 😂

[@martin4787]

@@Dr.Gunsmith It won't take many of us to make them realise what a bad idea that was. A bit like the Poll Tax.🙂

[@anonnemo2504]

A brave stance; I wish you the best of luck should this become the way the BBC is funded.

[@martin4787]

@@anonnemo2504 It's a matter of principal. I'm sick to death of being ripped off by whoever is in government. They can pay for me for a change, instead of me paying for them.

[@psychodrilla]

Well stated. Me too, I'd rather go to prison than give them my money..

[@lesliekime7567]

The BBC should show advertisements then fund themselves.

[@iamrocketray]

They are going to do that! BUT STILL CHARGE YOU AN ENTERTAINMENT TAX!

[@dalehufton8194]

What, like all the other w*** channels?

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

they make so much private profit from overseas sales as well ....-thats our money that paid for them to make private profit in millions . ..Unbelievable !!!!

[@dalehufton8194]

@@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361 The oversea people don't get those programmes free.

[@billbhein2949]

I was on holiday abroad recently, the TV in my rented room had the BBC, and it aired adverts during the programmes.. So why not in the UK?

[@davepfizer]

I used to work for the BBC but have never felt that the licence was appropriate. It is an outdated concept that, if the money was shared between all UK broadcasters I would say it was then reasonable but as it stands, the fact I really can't turn on my TV without having to pay the BBC for the right to do it. What annoys me more though is that the BBC pushed the digital transfer during the time I worked for them on the basis that one of its advantages was that it could be encrypted such that you would need to have a CI slot card to decode it. That of course had to be paid for specifically to the service. If the BBC really think that the TV tax is appropriate then we need to kill off this idea as a matter of urgency. There should be no levy no coercion, no trickery we should not pay for government propaganda which is basically what we are doing and the only people to decide that we have to pay are the very people that want that propaganda broadcast. Disgusting.

[@anonnemo2504]

Regarding the future funding of the BBC, the report from the House of Lords may well be part of a scheme to prepare us for it being funded through taxation post 2027. This would be a method even more iniquitous than the current one and would entrench the BBC in its dire "entertainment" output and political bias in its news and current affairs programmes. Hopefully, politicians will recognise the injustice within the proposals and not give it the go-ahead but I have little confidence that they will do this and, if we have a Labour government, none at all.

[@DuncanCorps]

I'd expect someone who used to work for BBC to be more correctly informed.

[@derekstocker6661]

If the fee comes in via the Council Tax, contact the council, ask what percentage of the council tax charge is for the BBC and with-hold.

[@MikeEves]

Spot on.

[@rosemarygriffin2184]

Everyone should stop paying their tv licence fee, stop your direct debits, and phone tv licencing and tell them you dont need them.

[@Euphoftoday]

Tell them nothing, don't even contact them or answer letters or front doors.

[@MikeEves]

Why would you tell them? Meaningless.

[@tolman4tor257]

But everyone else around the world get to watch BBC without a licence for free :( RIP OF BRITAIN

[@jacquelineloaring2438]

No! robbing bbc, I’ve not watched any tv whatsoever for must be getting on for 7/8 years,much prefer to read books, I used to buy a license, but never watched any tv, and have absolutely no interest in starting now.

[@Bisley56]

'Fraid that's not quite right, tolman. The only way to receive BBC programmes when not in the UK is via satellite or through a service provider such as a cable TV company which includes the BBC among their offerings. These companies are NOT cheap or free, be assured. Any revenues for BBC owned content will then be passed on to the BBC, minus a fee of course. If you wish to receive the BBC using a dish (parabolic antenna) in Europe for example you need a very big one to get anywhere decent quality reception, they too are NOT cheap although of course the BBC gets nothing in this case. Why is the reception of British programmes so poor in Europe? Simple, the BBC has deliberately engineered the footprint of their content, via the Astra satellite to drop off dramatically any further west than the west of the republic of Ireland and any further east than the Dutch coast. Crafty, eh? Sorry, no rip-off Britain there, the BBC has stymied that one. You may also be interested to know that the broadcasting services which are funded by a licence fee in Germany are made freely available to anyone who cares to erect to a satellite dish anywhere in Europe, including the UK - a case of ripped off Germany? I guess the Germans are not quite so parsimonious. Oh, and the licence fee in Germany is considerably higher than its British equivalent.

[@andrzejrubacha9521]

​@@Bisley56 via satellite to high requirements (east europe - west of Poland at least 2m dish but better is 3m - not everyone want to have this size of dish) cause beam of signal is directed to UK (as far you go from center of signal signal will be poorer, then it will gonne at all, not capable to received). Much easier it to received thought iptv. but any way… there is nothing besides UK propaganda there, nothing valuable to watch. Even Britons believe in that less and less (eg: hands, face, space… take next shot… thank you nhs - money laundering, washing brain)

[@qbarnes1893]

Been license free since 10yrs ago. I’m abiding by the legal restrictions. Yet, the BBC , the only bbc company of all its myriad of them, that makes a loss every year, even though nearly £4 billion is generated by the tv tax. Your are under NO obligation to inform anyone or allow anyone into your home. Don’t talk to them, if they visit, don’t contact the bbc, it’s Not required, by law. If the tv license gets put on our ever increasing council tax, I’m out...

[@anonnemo2504]

Sound advice. I declared no licence needed after cancelling my TV licence direct debit. After two years, I did not redeclare and these are the two main reasons why. Although fewer letters were received during the declaration period, they did not cease altogether and I have since learned that Capita may still visit "just to check" no licence is really needed. I saw no reason why an organisation with whom I wish to have no dealings, especially an organisation with a deserved reputation for dishonesty and sharp practice, should be able to link my name to my address in their database (I cannot keep my address out of it, of course). Although I now receive more letters from Capita, they are addressed to the "Legal Occupier". Regarding the future funding of the BBC, the report from the House of Lords may well be part of a scheme to prepare us for it being funded through taxation post 2027. This would be a method even more iniquitous than the current one and would entrench the BBC in its dire "entertainment" output and political bias in its news and current affairs programmes. Hopefully, politicians will recognise the injustice within the proposals and not give it the go-ahead but I have little confidence that they will do this and, if we have a Labour government, none at all..

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

therres no 'Legality' to it . ..thats the con . . . .its demanding money with menaces ...respond as you would a bully or thief . . .end of .

[@derekporter7658]

If they try to force it on your council tax, just pay the council tax bit (water, sewage and council services) and if they try to take you to court etc, get legal support and present your case as I'm not paying for it as my local council don't have a broadcast license or have a TV station. They can't argue against it, and it has to be thrown out. Stand firm.

[@anonnemo2504]

@@derekporter7658 Good luck with that. Water and sewage charges are not paid to local councils, by the way. Water companies collect those.

[@derekporter7658]

@@anonnemo2504 bit of a crossed wire! I was basing it on Scottish council tax bills! 🤦

[@fionagregory9147]

Not watched BBC for at least 30 yesrs.

[@iamrocketray]

Fine! BUT if you instead watch just ITV or ANY other channel as its broadcast you still have to pay the BBC TV Tax. How can that be right?

[@dalehufton8194]

@@iamrocketray It's a TV licence as required in a number of countries including this one.

[@Johnsmith-ko9yj]

Respect, I'm at 15 years.

[@Zodliness]

Be proud, it's not like giving up an alcohol addiction! 😂

[@dalehufton8194]

@EdStraker720 ​ @EdStraker720 I said that the item in question was a TV licence (not a BBC licence as someone was confused believing it should just be for watching BBC programmes). I said that this country and others require that you have one to watch live TV. How does Wiki show me to be a fool?

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

We all must have a protest and bring London to a standstill if they ever try the tv tax bs with us.

[@psychodrilla]

Totally agree. They just can't get enough money from people. It's an absolute disgrace.

[@MartinFarrell1972]

I'm up for that.

[@Lord-Sméagol]

It worked against the Poll Tax :)

[@mitchmitchell7470]

Not had a tv licence for 15 years perfectly legally

[@MikeEves]

I've not had a gun licence too

[@brimkathstampex2306]

A bit pointless. You don't watch any TV that requires a licence.

[@mitchmitchell7470]

@@brimkathstampex2306 no need to get to see everything on catch up and lots more. When I want to watch it.

[@MikeEves]

@@brimkathstampex2306 I don't have a licence. What makes you think I watch any TV?

[@thepitstopproject5048]

not paying a company that used to employ the likes of jimmy saville,period......

[@andrewhayes4246]

Don't forget Huw Edwards +

[@sharon2340]

And the rest

[@thepitstopproject5048]

@@andrewhayes4246 how true,lol

[@DelTangBrav]

Do not waste your time or money informing them you don't require a licence. They clearly state this DOES NOT make you exempt from their harassment. Do exactly what the law requires if you don't require a licence... Which is: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

[@MikeEves]

Exactly. The letters, online forms, visits etc. are not even part of the legislation. It's something the BBC made up.

[@markomarten]

The letters are misleading and can be seen as threatening to some. They are not worth the paper they are written on, the claims that you are under investigation or similar are bogus. The licensing visitors are salesmen or women who are there to earn their commission from selling a license. It’s worth noting they cannot enter your home without a warrant or your permission. In order to get a warrant they must have some sort of proof you are doing something wrong, they can do this if they catch you watching something you should not be watching like live tv. If they arrive at your home and start asking questions like are you the occupier? Then politely ask who are you? Please identify yourself? There’s no law that says you have to open your door to anyone, keep the security chain on and remember to be firm but polite. Saying “No thank you” will probably mean they will go away empty handed, don’t sign anything as you have no idea what they are asking you to sign for, it has been known for them to use this as method of claiming a confession. Don’t let the visitors in as they will then try to bombard you with questions to try and catch you out, it’s almost a form of entrapment. If you can buy a Ring video doorbell as it will let you see who’s at the door and then you can save yourself the trouble of getting up unnecessarily. Some companies have a password scheme so you know they are genuinely visiting you. Be careful of unexpected people offering to do jobs for you like weeding or your gutters, it’s a common scam and can be hard to get out of. Never agree to anything on the doorstep and be extra cautious of folk folk that offer to give you discount for cash,they probably don’t have a business card or anything like insurance. If you need jobs done at home then ask family and trusted friends for advice or a recommendation. Word of mouth is still useful as it were. Be safe and be secure.

[@anonnemo2504]

Sound advice. A video doorbell may also be useful should an "enforcement officer" make false representation in any application for a warrant. As you say, these people are salesmen working for Capita. I decided not to redeclare "no licence needed" because I saw no reason why an organisation with whom I wish to have no dealings, especially an organisation with a deserved reputation for dishonesty and sharp practice, should be able to link my name to my address in their database (I cannot keep my address out of it, of course). Although I now receive more letters from Capita, they are addressed to the "Legal Occupier".

[@robertyoung8785]

Please stop calling it a TV licence, it's BBC licence, that's where the money goes.

[@janitia]

dont watch tv and dont want to so it would be extortion to make me pay for nothing.

[@iamrocketray]

But that's what will happen if they abolish the present system, because they are whining about people cancelling now! they need to fill that shortfall and a media tax paid either by Council Tax or broadband fee's is what will happen.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

@@iamrocketray its bluff.....they are trying to 'take the money and run ' before they are forced to close down . . . .

[@semperatis]

I don't own a TV either,I sold mine over 5 years ago now.....best decision I ever made.

[@MikeEves]

@@iamrocketray Even if they could I still wouldn't pay. Nobody can force you. "No." Is a sentence, learn that.

[@tonybee5605]

What a lot of people do not realise is the bbc have used licence payers money to buy commercial TV stations so they now get a huge second income from Advertising, they own Gold, Dave, drama, Yesterday, Watch, Home, Good Food, Eden, Alibi, Samsung TV, Pluto TV, Living W, all of those carry advertising so why is the licence fee still increasing every year.

[@jmshrrsn]

Just so we’re clear: “As the principal commercial arm of the BBC Group, BBC Studios - led by CEO Tom Fussell - is responsible for generating revenue and profits which are returned to the BBC to support the licence fee. The business receives no public funds.”

[@AndyRobby]

The confusion for the older people is being robbed in plane view by gangsters. We older folk have morals and ethics It not something we would lower ourselves to do.

[@keithawhosoever5384]

​@@random_Person347I do watch my television without a 'license to steal' . However , it's now to watch Utube and Amazon Prime ( when I'm offered free trials or half price monthly subscriptions.)😊

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Private ownership is key .....

[@greentroll9326]

how about tey pay me for transmitting there unwanted signal into my house

[@Zodliness]

Why not indeed: www.gov.uk/government/publications/radiofrequency-electromagnetic-fields-health-effects

[@DavidPirouet]

I don't watch any TV or catch up services, which apart from iPlayer and what they call live broadcast would be perfectly legal without a licence. If the BBC trademark wants to carry on they can do that but it's about time to end the BBC. Television in general has become an wasteful unnecessary technology.

[@badb0x]

Do we need more tax to be forced? I don't think so

[@johnredman4568]

Not had a TV since 2019. Don't miss it. Not going to pay in any way for something I do not use.

[@MysteryMan-UK]

Not paid a penny for 14yrs. I'll never pay again.

[@bigbabatunde1218]

How did you like battling them for the last 14 years?

[@MysteryMan-UK]

@@bigbabatunde1218 Battling them? What getting one letter per month and the odd goon at the door... Easy.

[@bigbabatunde1218]

@@MysteryMan-UK It would have escalated to more than that over 14 years. You aren't telling fibs are you?

[@MysteryMan-UK]

@@bigbabatunde1218 Escalated? 🤣 I'm coming on to 15yrs now. They can't do nothing if you know your rights. It's very - very simple. Never speak to them. 🤫 Never sign anything ✍️ Ignore all letters. 😑 Do not let them in. ⛔ It's very simple 😁👍

[@bigbabatunde1218]

@@MysteryMan-UK If it was that easy no one would pay. Fib a lot do you?

[@RonaldShea5680]

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

[@fionadyer8503]

I stopped watching their awful TV , got fed up with all the Wokery and Filth, and Foul language.

[@greymatters1950]

Good for you. It's awful isn't it.

[@irenecase7786]

It is absolutely dreadful.

[@Trishawitchqueen]

I think we should have a smash your TV day. The best thing I ever did was getting rid of the TV. There is a life without it, it's one of living in your own space and not in fear. Get rid and ignore all correspondence and do not open the door.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

Good advice ...taking these petty crooks even half-seriously is the main problem . . . .

[@rigamortice]

Send the letters back "RETURN TO SENDER" & flood them with their own junk mail

[@robtheplod]

Pointless doing this as postoffice/bbc have a policy of no returns.... forward letters to your mp instead

[@kawasakiaddiction6296]

The letters are never returned. Binned at your local MC.

[@kawasakiaddiction6296]

@Rickon82517 that's all good if you want to imprison yourself. For what?

[@zog97xy]

Yes you do that and they will make an example of you by sending goons round.

[@zog97xy]

@@kawasakiaddiction6296 Wrong! he is doing the right thing.

[@stephenfarr1155]

I would refuse to pay the tv licence fee part of my council tax as I don't watch tv

[@bowman4275]

It is time for the BBC to become subscription only and replace the license fee entirely.

[@MikeEves]

It already is a subscription. The only terms of the licence is that you pay it, so a subscription. I don't subscribe, so I pay nothing like a subscription to the National Trust...

[@lmg7503]

the gov playing games through the council. We must protest.

[@stevefox3763]

I have over 30 unopened 'To the legal occupier' Tv licence letters , I know many others have been collecting them and think someone needs to arrange a mass 'nobody here by that name, return to sender' event where all of us send one back each day and the Tv licencing harassment office is flooded with thousands of their own junk mail. Regarding an antenna being plugged into a TV, that does not require a TV licence, you only need a licence to watch Live TV, it is totally legal to use a TV through a TV antenna to access DAB radio, this was confirmed years ago and clarified that its ONLY viewing live TV broadcasts on equipment and anything other than Live TV does not require a licence, even if its received through the antenna on a TV.

[@janitia]

How about putting self assessment tax returns behind a paywall so hmrc have to pay to see it?

[@southerncomfortuk]

🤣 I’m still waiting for some bright spark to invent a device that blocks the signals of any unwanted TV stations from entering my home without a password. Sky & Netflix etc. have technology to prevent non subscribers from viewing their content without a password. Maybe in the near future it will be possible to make this happen in reverse with a little device in the home.

[@dean6816]

I've cancelled mine, can't even be arsed to ring them and tell them I don't need one!!!

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

When I was younger and didn’t know any better they robbed me and find me, saying I had to pay the TV license because I owned a video recorder that didn’t work and I had no TV at the time. Sly rats.

[@rdrhouse]

that's theft.

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

Would Tesco get the cops to take my door off it’s hinges because I shop at Iceland 🤨

[@tpbcpeople]

We live in a fascist state - therefore, they probably would!

[@DuncanCorps]

No, but it'd be quite reasonable for Tesco to send the police to speak with you if you kept taking stuff from their stores without paying for it.

[@MikeEves]

@@DuncanCorps They would need evidence. I don't have a TV licence, that is not evidence.

[@MikeEves]

How would they know where you live?

[@seantaylor9758]

I haven't watched BBC TV for years and certainly don't miss it. I don't even listen to BBC radio where the day of the wonder 247 radio days are over and so many more radio stations elsewhere. I can't believe that an entertainment product has to be licenced and always wondered why other broadcasters don't complain over it.

[@davidp4456]

Coupling the BBC license fee to council tax or internet charges is outrageous. All we are doing is guaranteeing the enormous wages of celebrities and BBC directors at public cost. The is no democratic approval here and all the while the BBC continues to make expensive content that we just don’t need or want.

[@streetcat1510]

BBC are taking the piss.

[@tectoramia-sz1lu]

If it weren't for my wife liking to watch Gardener's World on BBC 1, we wouldn't bother with a licence. The people who knock on your door are not enforcement officers, they are licence salesmen. They have no authority, don't even speak to them, just close the door.

[@fionagregory9147]

Why can't they just take adverts like the other TV channels?

[@robtheplod]

No reason to as enough people continue to just give them money...

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

fat salaries for the countrys'Eton' class spongers . . . . .Leeches

[@stevegreen5552]

Good question. I believe the BBC own UKTV (Dave, Yesterday, W, Drama) and get advertising revenue from that.

[@darenliddle4411]

because its easy for them to sit on their arses and watch the money come in

[@DuncanCorps]

It'll be in the royal charter which dictates what they do and how. And anyway... Since TV Licence is a Government tax, even if BBC became independently funded the TV Licence could continue (nice bit of income for the treasury).

[@stephaniewhite9526]

Every day living legally license free is a day to celebrate !

[@hiramabiff2017]

You can only be forced to pay if you acknowledge it. I heard about someone who has not paid it in over 15yrs 😉, If you throw every letter in the bin and just ignore it , the is not a damn thing in the world they can do about it legally. Even if a Capital commissioned based salesman knocks at your door ( they get a £40 bonus for every household who admits not having a licence, with no more powers than a washing machine repairman or a lollipop lady to ask you personal questions ) just smile and close the door without a word. Your troubles only start when you cannot keep your mouth shut.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

good one .

[@oxforddon2210]

The explanations in this video are brilliant, easily 10 out of 10 for accuracy of information. It makes a vast change from most other media sources that haven't got a clue on the subject. It was also great that chilli jon carn got an honourable mention. The Lords commitee must be seriously out of touch, it wouldn't surprise me if one of their establishment perks is a free TV Licence. It seems incredulous that any company or corporation expects mountains of gifted money but do so little in return. Those in power know that the current TV Licence model won't last much longer as more and more people opt out of the system. Trying to preserve the inefficient BBC is far too costly and wasteful. People are starting to realise that the BBC is no where near as wonderful and vital as it's made out to be.

[@martynchalmers2517]

They are all crooks!

[@stevenkillington5041]

Notice on your door means they cant knock

[@Lee.Willcox]

This has been my bother for years now. Keep the damn licence. Why? Because with all of those wanting it to be scrapped the likelihood is another TAX and the discussions have been a Media TAX on Broadband or even added to Council TAX. I don't pay for a license because we simply do not watch it ever ! I get all the letters of course and have made videos about them as I put them in the bin.

[@timg1246]

It won't go on council tax because there is bound to be a non-paymeny campaign. Councils are already against it.

[@christine-r1j]

cancelled my licence 8 years ago and never looked back, was sick of the BBC forcing their views onto me, well no more

[@peterloftus6259]

I’ve been clean from the Licence for two years now..

[@mhoward181]

Capita are awful. They must make so much money off our taxes. They are also used by DWP when disabled people claim their benefits and have the humiliation of either not getting what they are entitled to or having the embarrassment of going through the court process because someone at capita uses questions to trick and confuse people.

[@anonnemo2504]

Indeed they are. I did not redeclare "no licence needed" after two years of being licence free. I saw no reason why an organisation with whom I wish to have no dealings, especially an organisation with a deserved reputation for dishonesty and sharp practice, should be able to link my name to my address in their database (I cannot keep my address out of it, of course). Although I now receive more letters from Capita, they are addressed to the "Legal Occupier".

[@DelTangBrav]

​@@anonnemo2504 That "legal occupier" does tend to imply that they don't give a damn if squatters occupying the premises watch TV without a licence. Not very responsible in my opinion! 😊

[@chrisnewell-7758]

​@@DelTangBravI am covered by a no licence needed declaration, the letters to legal occupier whatever come now from a different address... lol. Scam

[@DelTangBrav]

@@chrisnewell-7758 The "no licence required" declaration DOES NOT cover you from being visited to check if you are one of a small minority of people who falsely submit the declaration. It merely means they will not warn you in advance of such a visit. They say as much in their acknowledgement of receiving the declaration.

[@chrisnewell-7758]

@DelTangBrav I'm sure the email said we will not contact you again until nearer the time to re-declare... yet still their letters come, from the other address. I have written the reference number on it in case I need it to hand. I do not have a TV since the last one broke years ago

[@KevinDoyle-r1w]

65 and never had a licence, never will either!!! Corrupt tv from the beeb

[@NOT_SURE..]

ive been binning those letters for 25 years now

[@TrevsTravelsByNarrowboat]

I have not had a TV licence for over 20 years, fortunately, the way I live I do not pay council tax. I would hate to have to pay for the awful BBC for which I have not watched for over 20 years unless I have been away from home and someone else has it on.

[@greymatters1950]

My thoughts exactly. Thanks for your contribution

[@darthfakington2227]

I won't be paying it, law or not. Roll it into council tax? Council tax will not be paid.

[@garyhart6421]

It is outrageous (but so is paying the Beeb to watch Any other Channel) I'm sure they would like it on the Income Tax so everybody (working) would pay ? £169.50 value for money = NO ! Let them show Adverts and/or have Subs --- just decriminalize non-payment.

[@lw1zfog]

no contact no contract

[@davidd5316]

Do you appreciate that the BBC HAS SPENT £190 million in an attempt to make you buy a TV Licence

[@greymatters1950]

Oh the irony, lol

[@UKVampy]

If this joke ever gets passed they better be getting a rather large complaints dept.

[@timg1246]

They get around that by simply not registering complaints. When I got their threatening letters, I phoned to complain. They flatly refused to register it as a complaint. Amazing, from a government bureaucracy.

[@Ray-Yes-Web]

Thank you for this & the shoutout for ChilliJonCarnie. BBC is just so behind the times, it was different many many years ago when all we had was terrestrial TV and no mobile devices. I believe the license used to state TV license was for if you owned a Tv. Rules changed.

[@philgreen815]

Very noble of you to highlight this subject. Sadly the licence will remain wither we like it or not ? at the very best we will have to pay a media tax along with our council tax. And the government supporters of the crap BBC who no doubt take a rake off ? will back it, House Of Lords will support the beloved BBC.

[@davidp4456]

A few years the BBC produced publicity campaign parading all of the wonderful programmes they make and telling us what good value for money it all was. I remember thinking, ‘I only watch a very small fraction of the programmes and I would never find enough time in the day to watch them all, so why am I paying for all of this content I can’t watch or just don’t want to watch’. The license fee doesn’t seem like good value to me..

[@chrisbuxton1958]

Over three years licence-free now. Don’t miss live broadcast tv at all. I’ll never pay again.

[@kerrymcgeachy3571]

Sales men if they come mine god help them they won't come again

[@adrianandrews2254]

If they come to mine they won't ever leave 🧛

[@stevegee8010]

I disagree. A no licence needed declaration actually _increases_ the likelihood of getting a visit.

[@greymatters1950]

Not happened yet in four years, so 🤞 for the future.

[@saxon-mt5by]

I completed the No Licence Required declaration over forty years ago, and have received one visit in all that time. I confirm my declaration when asked (is it every two years?) and have never felt under pressure.

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

youre right ...there is no need to even take them seriously ...they are a private company masquerading as a public utility ..- a con artist .

[@anonnemo2504]

You may well be right there. I declared no licence needed after cancelling my TV licence direct debit. After two years, I did not redeclare and these are the two main reasons why. Although fewer letters were received during the declaration period, they did not cease altogether and I have since learned that Capita may still visit "just to check" no licence is really needed. This is confirmed by a statement from Capita that a proportion of people who have declared "no licence needed" do actually need to have a licence. How would they know without carrying out a visit? I saw no reason why an organisation with whom I wish to have no dealings, especially an organisation with a deserved reputation for dishonesty and sharp practice, should be able to link my name to my address in their database (I cannot keep my address out of it, of course). Although I now receive more letters from Capita, they are addressed to the "Legal Occupier".

[@timg1246]

​@@saxon-mt5byIf you are not under pressure, why make the declaration ? People make the declaration precisely because, if they don't they will be subjected to an endless harassment campaign of threatening letters.

[@neilfarr5006]

whatever it is i will not pay it.

[@mikew.8925]

Household tax akin to robbery if it happens .

[@sonyp180]

If that happens I expect Lot of the BBC transmission infrastructure will get damaged just like the ULEZ cameras.

[@Sadie595]

That's a great idea 💡 👍

[@ellagrace27306]

Why are we not highlighting the fact that the BBC are a corporation, Trading as a company and therefore, a mutual contract between both parties is needed in order to watch their programs.

[@timg1246]

We don't do that because it is not true.

[@ellagrace27306]

@@timg1246 I assume that you are one of the Sheeple who subscribe to the BBC tripe

[@alanhargreaves-thevoiceofr2361]

a private corporation masquerading as a publically owned service . .. -Trade descriptions act ... ?

[@timg1246]

​@@ellagrace27306You are wrong again. I don't have a TV licence. What you are spouting is legal nonsense.

[@ellagrace27306]

@@timg1246 OK, so that would mean that all companies could demand that you buy their products, or they will take you to court

[@guygfm4243]

They can’t tell if you are watching live TV remotely.

[@adrianandrews2254]

Practically you may be right BUT its perfectly POSSIBLE to tell that such data enters your home. As an IT professional for 50+ years I guarantee this!

[@JackOfski]

'Quality programs and the BBC' incompatible and implausible sprang to mind on hearing that sentence.

[@dennisjones203]

No to the BBC licence fee no to capita , not paying ever ! .

[@adrianandrews2254]

I have had many dealings with Crapita. They are the absolute pits!

[@mickman0073]

Just subscribed, I usually watch Chilli Jon Carne who is a mine of information. Dr Who is a good example of how us oldies are treated by the BBC, called Racists, Bigots and "touch Grass"aka f off. Viewing figures are at an all time low as they ditch old fans.

[@greymatters1950]

Thanks for the sub. Appreciated. Dr Who is a good example of the Go Woke, Go Broke rebellion.

[@JimGers]

The Lords😂😂😂a place where you get paid to sleep occasionally waken up and say ' here here' another outdated institution for dinosaurs

[@thetimeisnow6822]

The BBC Propaganda Department has been operating since WWII & it is still very active.

[@stephenwelham]

Time to scrap we don’t have one or watch any live tv and not paying for a substandard service like the bbc in any form least of all the our rates

[@ianship5058]

So I will have to pay council tax to Birmingham even if I live in Glasgow? same logic

[@videogenie1236]

Well presented. I have not bought or needed a TV license for about six or more years. I did get a visit from a super friendly, so-called TV licensing person whom I told him that I did not want or need one. As the conversation went on, he thought he could trick me by asking if I was going to watch the national game that was being played on the weekend. I quite polightly told him that I have no interest in sports. If they bring out the levy, then I suggest refusing to pay your council tax bill and protesting it, same as when they introduced poll tax.

[@shauntaylor6040]

Havent paid it for 4 years, no comebacks. Dont watch it, so not paying for it. Anyone who pays is a mug.

[@alexpalmer776]

Put your TV on the kerb.don’t pay the TV licence fee. Do not watch live TV. Advertisers will soon stop wasting money. Buy an IPad or android that you move around. Go on the internet and use independent news and other subscriptions

[@derekr54]

When the BBC own so many private companies and also show ads of UK TV which they own why should they need money from us? All other TV companies use ads to fund themselves so the BBC should do the same.The BBC is as out of date with reality as the House of Lords and for that matter House of Commons.My own personal view is to close down the BBC once and for all as they have made no useful contribution to UK television or radio for at least the last twenty years.

[@alanevans9604]

Vote Reform 🇬🇧 join £25 a year. Scrap the TV tax.

[@dt-wq7ql]

Never going to happen , like the jab .

[@gabrielletanner5339]

Why as someone on a single pension do i have to pay £169...the same as a couple...

[@jmshrrsn]

The same as an entire household of viewers in fact. I agree with you, it seems very unfair. (Not sure if your age but as far as I know, pensioners aged 75 and over are eligible for a free TV licence if they receive Pension Credit. Those aged 74 can apply for a short-term licence, covering the months until they turn 75. There are no discounts for pensioners under 75. Source: TV Licensing)