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

[Beef Oven!]

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.

I can almost accept the funding to come from tax, but I don't understand why it should be based on income. I would resent paying more to watch telly than someone else, just because I earn more money than them; just as I wouldn't want to pay less than a rich person pays.

[french frank]

I can almost accept the funding to come from tax, but I don't understand why it should be based on income. I would resent paying more to watch telly than someone else, just because I earn more money than them; just as I wouldn't want to pay less than a rich person pays.

As I've just pointed out elsewhere, it's how income tax works.

[Beef Oven!]

As I've just pointed out elsewhere, it's how income tax works.

That's not a reason why some people should pay different amounts for the same thing .....

[James Wonnacott]

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.

I'd find it unfair to have to pay for something I actively don't watch!
Taxation, national or local, should be spent only on what is the taxpayer needs, not what those in power think the taxpayer ought to want.

[french frank]

That's not a reason why some people should pay different amounts for the same thing .....

I think it is. People who have private health schemes and educate their children privately will pay more in income tax for the NHS and education system than people who earn less - without even using the services themselves. It's how income tax works. The richer contribute more, dastardly though it is.

[Beef Oven!]

I think it is. People who have private health schemes and educate their children privately will pay more in income tax for the NHS and education system than people who earn less - without even using the services themselves. It's how income tax works. The richer contribute more, dastardly though it is.

Not sure what you mean by 'it's how income tax works'. Flat rate income tax doesn't work like that, for example.

[Serial_Apologist]

Not sure what you mean by 'it's how income tax works'. Flat rate income tax doesn't work like that, for example.

Where does flat income tax work?

[Beef Oven!]

Where does flat income tax work?

Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Russia for example. Where does our type of tax system work? Not in the UK, for example. Complicated, can't collect it all, etc.

[Serial_Apologist]

Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Russia for example. Where does our type of tax system work? Not in the UK, for example. Complicated, can't collect it all, etc.

Maybe we should all move there...

[Beef Oven!]

Maybe we should move there...

I'm spoken for. X

[Bella Kemp]

It used to be called a radio and tv licence. It doesn't matter hugely I suppose but gosh it would be just a nice gesture if you could afford a few pounds a week to help musicians that so enrich our lives. It's tough out there for musicians: with so much on the internet for free why would anyone buy a cd, or even go to a concert? I will say no more on this topic but if you love music - and in my case it has been an extraordinary solace - it seems only fair to pay musicians so that they can keep going. The radio and tv licence helps towards this.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Well, some people only think of themselves. On the other hand, the scrapping of the radio only licence sent out the wrong messages.

[Beef Oven!]

It used to be called a radio and tv licence. It doesn't matter hugely I suppose but gosh it would be just a nice gesture if you could afford a few pounds a week to help musicians that so enrich our lives. It's tough out there for musicians: with so much on the internet for free why would anyone buy a cd, or even go to a concert? I will say no more on this topic but if you love music - and in my case it has been an extraordinary solace - it seems only fair to pay musicians so that they can keep going. The radio and tv licence helps towards this.

I pay enough tax already, so please allow me to sit this one out.

[jean]

For some years now, I've been paying for my TV license by monthly direct debit.

Alerted by this thread, I realised that it was time to tell the BBC that I would turn 75 in May this year, so that the payments could be stopped at the proper time.

Imagine my surprise on getting a letter this week telling me that I am entitled to a refund of £36.16.

How can this be?

[Serial_Apologist]

Alerted by this thread, I realised that it was time to tell the BBC that I would turn 75 in May this year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbO7czzIu_o