The TV licence has jumped up by 10.50 this year to 169.50 and many people are considering cancelling it – but there are rules you need to know about
Many people have scrapped their TV licence and aren’t eager to renew it following this year’s price hike. On April 1 of this year, the TV licence fee went up £5, taking it to £174.50 per year, whilst the black and white TV licence price climbed by £1.50 to £58.50
If you’d rather not pay for one, there are specific regulations you must adhere to. And should licensing enforcement officers believe you’re breaching these, they might show up at your home. Here’s what you need to know:
What authority do TV licence enforcement officers have?
Should you receive correspondence stating you lack a licence and you disregard them, TV Licensing explains “the tone of the letters progressively becomes stronger to encourage a reply.
Sometimes a stronger message is required for people to comply with their legal obligation. The address will also be listed for a visit from a visiting officer to enquire about the licensing requirements.”
Should the correspondence continue to be ignored, an enforcement officer might visit your home to determine whether a licence is needed, with the “aim of the visit” being to “enforce the law and enable TV Licensing to remove premises which do not require a TV Licence from their enquiries”, permitting them to examine other properties which may need their attention.
Is an enforcement officer able to demand entry to my home – and can I turn them away?
TV Licensing has outlined that their visiting officers should always explain the reason for their visit, maintain a polite and courteous demeanour, and strictly adhere to their code of conduct. However, it’s crucial to understand that they do not have any legal authority to enter your home without a search warrant.
If you refuse them entry, the officer may carry out the visit at your doorstep. But if you request them to leave your property, they are obliged to comply immediately.
If you permit them inside, the visit is usually swift, with the officer briefly inspecting the main living areas to determine whether or not a television is in use.
Under the Communications Act 2003, the BBC is legally required to issue TV Licences and collect the associated fees. The corporation must enforce this to ensure those who are obligated to pay do so, and to uphold the law against those who attempt to evade payment.
What you need to be aware of is that according to the law, “visiting officers do not have any legal powers to enter your home without a search warrant granted by a magistrate – or sheriff in Scotland”. It further clarifies that you are under no obligation to allow them into your home.
However, if visiting officers are denied access, then TV Licensing reserves the right to employ other methods of detection. “.
TV Licensing can also seek a search warrant from a magistrate, – or a sheriff in Scotland. This course of action is considered a last resort and is only pursued when a senior manager and a legal advisor concur that there is substantial evidence to suspect an offence has been committed.
What does the Visiting Officer’s code of conduct say?
TV Licensing outlines that when their Officers pay a visit to a property, they will:
- Show their ID card. If requested, they’ll also give you a telephone number so you can call and confirm the details on their card
- Explain why they’re visiting
- Be polite and fair
- Follow all laws, regulations and policies
- Not use threats. Or any intimidation
- Respect your right to privacy. And confidentiality
- Enter your property only when you give permission, unless a search warrant has been issued
- When necessary, complete a record of interview. And ask for your signature to confirm that their notes are correct
- Make sure the person being interviewed knows what may happen as a result of watching or recording any live TV or BBC iPlayer without a TV Licence
- Stop the visit if you ask them to leave, unless a search warrant has been issued
- When necessary, use detection equipment or apply for a search warrant if they believe that someone at the property is committing an offence