TV License question

magick · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:14

Ok I'm reading about the climategate scandal on Guidos website and in the comments section many people are disgusted with the BBCs biased and very limited reporting on the whole incident and someone suggests that complaining to them is a waste of time and it's better to stop paying your license. This is what he says :-

Moley said:
Don’t complain.

Stop paying, or do both.

Making a small sacrifice for one’s principles is a very satisfying experience.
The BBC cannot force you to pay, they have no right of entry, and you are entitled to remain silent if asked questions by one of their “Inspectors”.

I dson’t pay, and I won’t pay. I’ve had enough.

Old Holborn said:
Better than that. Ask them to stop transmitting BBC into your house. You haven’t requested it an have no contract with them to supply it. Show me the contact I signed with the BBC to supply anything and I’ll pay. No contract, no deal.

It’s the LAW

Is this legaly correct?

guidos site : http://order-order.com/2009/12/02/c...queens-university-blocking-data-foi/#comments

Tute · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:16

No, it's a tax, so you don't get the choice of paying it or not.

You can't "opt out" of things like NI, council tax, etc. just because you feel you don't want/use the services.

csmager · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:16

No, it's garbage. 'the LAW' is that you need a license to watch live TV as it's broadcast. It is not a license to watch the BBC.

Strife212 · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:16

No, people seem to forget we don't have a constitution or anything, the government can make whatever laws they want.

Feek · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:17

magick said:
Is this legaly correct?

Nope, it's utter rubbish.

magick · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:17

I thought it sounded to good to be true.

Mr. Anderson · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:17

Well if you DON'T recieve ANY live television then you don't have to pay for the license. But if you do, and don't pay then you will be committing a felony.

scorza · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:19

First one sounds correct though - no-one has the right to enter your property without a warrant.

Thunderbolt · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:19

Tute said:
No, it's a tax, so you don't get the choice of paying it or not.

You can't "opt out" of things like NI, council tax, etc. just because you feel you don't want/use the services.

That's misleading, you can opt out, but you must then not receive television signals, whether it be ITV SKY or Four, or any others.

I do not pay for the license as I don't have the money, when I'm earning I'll buy a TV and a license.

Mr. Anderson · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:28

scorza said:
First one sounds correct though - no-one has the right to enter your property without a warrant.

no, but you are still breaking the law, and if you continue to do so for long then you will get caught out and prosecuted.

magick · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:31

Mr. Anderson said:
no, but you are still breaking the law, and if you continue to do so for long then you will get caught out and prosecuted.

I haven't paid my license for 5 years now and haven't been prosecuted.

EDIT: In fact i'm 33 and only paid for a license once in my life.

Tute · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:33

AdamDaniels88 said:
That's misleading, you can opt out, but you must then not receive television signals, whether it be ITV SKY or Four, or any others.

I do not pay for the license as I don't have the money, when I'm earning I'll buy a TV and a license.

Mine was in the context of what was asked in the OP.

Vonhelmet · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:35

magick said:
I haven't paid my license for 5 years now and haven't been prosecuted.

EDIT: In fact i'm 33 and only paid for a license once in my life.

That's in keeping with the fact that you're an idiot.

magick · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:36

vonhelmet said:
That's in keeping with the fact that you're an idiot.

Well i'm a idiot who's a £140 a year better off than you.

Old Wino · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:40

It's unenforceable, unless you're dumb enough to let one of their commision-hungry salespoeple into your house.

Strife212 · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:41

magick said:
I thought it sounded to good to be true.

Well, it's true their inspectors can't do anything, but they can eventually take you to court and if they do, they will win.

Usually the court just makes you pay the liscence fee though, so it could be worth a shot?

Vonhelmet · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:43

magick said:
Well i'm a idiot who's a £140 a year better off than you.

Well, enjoy the proceeds of your crime.

Hxc · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:43

Tute said:
No, it's a tax, so you don't get the choice of paying it or not.

I don't believe this is true; it is a licence fee, not a tax?

They cannot enter your house without permission. Thus it is nigh on impossible for them to actually prove that you are using TV without a licence, meaning if you really want to, you can avoid paying.

bam0 · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:43

scorza said:
First one sounds correct though - no-one has the right to enter your property without a warrant.

Revenue and Customs, Utility Companies and the Police in certain situations can, probably more people who can too.

Vonhelmet · 9 Dec 2009 at 20:45

Hxc said:
I don't believe this is true; it is a licence fee, not a tax?

It's not a tax, but you are legally obliged to pay it.