I’m not renewing my TV licence - any pitfalls?

[Serial_Apologist]

Their letter seems to have been changed to reflect the changes in the last year or two re iPlayer and downloaded copies of TV programmes etc..

Notice also the specific wording:

.... or recording live TV programmes on any channel ....

as well as the note re iPlayer.

Probably worth sending "them" a letter stating your position, or making a phone call.
Perhaps both - to be on the safe side, and keep a copy of your letter.

What does live mean? What about repeats of old programmes delivered via internet from channels - maybe BBC related, maybe not? Do they count as live too? For examples, the rather dead programmes on Gold and Drama and old copies of Frasier from independent channels?

At this stage the wording says "recording" - but in the future it might be changed to say "have recorded" - which would have a different meaning. It is possible that someone might record a programme, and then subsequently give up watching live TV. Shudder!

One really would think, when it comes down to potentially actionable offenses for infringement, that whoever draws up and distributes such official notices would pre-check the wording on them with the legal beavers the BBC employs for the purpose of protecting its integrity and reputation, as much as its income!

[french frank]

Notice also the specific wording:

.... or recording live TV programmes on any channel ....

The situation hasn't changed regarding 'any channel' since the channel is irrelevant, if you are using a device to receive television programmes.

What does live mean? What about repeats of old programmes delivered via internet from channels - maybe BBC related, maybe not? Do they count as live too? For examples, the rather dead programmes on Gold and Drama and old copies of Frasier from independent channels?

I don't know what those things are that you're talking about, but 'live' means 'while the programme is being broadcast', but independent channels which are broadcasting are no different from the BBC.

[Sudden thought: why am I pontificating about this? There may be subtleties I wot not of.]

[burning dog]

more of a grey area could be watching old tv on youtube

or maybe not

[Beef Oven!]

One thing is wrong in the letter:

"You can still stop the investigation
But you need to buy a licence without delay"

Well spotted - I missed that

True, that would stop the investigation, but you don't need to buy a licence, last time I heard anything, if you don't watch television (hard to prove if you have a TV set).

Gave my TV to my daughter last summer - no TV in my house

[Zucchini]

Gave my TV to my daughter last summer - no TV in my house

Why tell the R3 Old People's Home. FFSake just use the NoTv link they've given you and 'sign' any declaration

(This is your second chance - the first letter you ignored - no wonder this is a bit sharper)

[french frank]

Gave my TV to my daughter last summer - no TV in my house

It's not that we don't believe you, sir. We just want to have a look.

[Beef Oven!]

Why tell the R3 Old People's Home. FFSake just use the NoTv link they've given you and 'sign' any declaration

(This is your second chance - the first letter you ignored - no wonder this is a bit sharper)

Whose side are you on?

[Beef Oven!]

It's not that we don't believe you, sir. We just want to have a look.

[Bella Kemp]

The licence also pays for Radio 3 - it seems a bit mean to listen to this superb channel and imagine that it's all provided for by the magic money tree. The licence also helps fund orchestras and enterprises such as the New Generation Artists scheme. It's only a few pounds a week and surely extraordinary value for money even if one only listens to this one station. If everyone decided to be refuseniks we'd be left with radio (and tv) funded by the constant irritation of adverts. If you decide not to listen to the BBC at all, then it's perfectly fair not to pay for a licence, if not then you are simply relying on others to pay for your enjoyments - and saying to hell with musicians and other artists getting paid.

[Beef Oven!]

The licence also pays for Radio 3 - it seems a bit mean to listen to this superb channel and imagine that it's all provided for by the magic money tree. The licence also helps fund orchestras and enterprises such as the New Generation Artists scheme. It's only a few pounds a week and surely extraordinary value for money even if one only listens to this one station. If everyone decided to be refuseniks we'd be left with radio (and tv) funded by the constant irritation of adverts. If you decide not to listen to the BBC at all, then it's perfectly fair not to pay for a licence, if not then you are simply relying on others to pay for your enjoyments - and saying to hell with musicians and other artists getting paid.

I pay enough tax already, I'm not paying this one if I don't need to.

[James Wonnacott]

The last letter I had from them promised they would come on Feb 1st.. I waited in all day but no-one came.

[french frank]

The last letter I had from them promised they would come on Feb 1st.. I waited in all day but no-one came.

Bit pointless to warn you …

[Ferretfancy]

I pay enough tax already, I'm not paying this one if I don't need to.

Most countries in Europe pay more tax per head than we do, and probably use taxation more sensibly. We should all pay more, which means constructing a more balanced system. At the moment the rich do too well at cost to the rest of us. We all know this, but the current shower will certainly not be doing anything about it.

[french frank]

We should all pay more, which means constructing a more balanced system.

AS far as Public Service Broadcasting is concerned, I haven't changed my mind: fund it from general taxation. The last two Charter settlements have demolished the argument that funding it from general taxation makes the service vulnerable to government interference: it already is.

There is an unfairness about four individuals in a family household, all in full time employment, watching whatever television they want on one single licence fee; while it's suggested that if one person living alone and listening only to Radio 3 (e.g. for an above average 8 hours per week) should pay the same. It's an unfair system: much fairer to pay according income.

[french frank]

Impossible to comment since one doesn't know your financial circumstances.

Someone working in the City on a very big salary could pay a much larger graduate tax than someone who took the same degree course and then went to work for a charity for peanuts. Would anyone claim that they should both pay the same since they followed the same course?

Not how income tax works.