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09/05/2007
TV Licensing....BIG rant!
What is wrong with these people!
As some know I am one of the rare people in the UK who do not watch TV. I have no aerial. I cannot receive outside broadcasts. I have been doing this for about 15 years.
I do have a Plasma screen linked to a DVD player, and that's it.
Every few months I get a letter from TV Licensing asking why I dont have a License when there is a TV at my property. i used to fill these in with long explanations about the quality of TV, how much more valuable my time was, how I have no plans to change etc etc.
After a few years though I just through them in the bin.
I've had countless of these letters over the years, 2 visits from the inspectors, who I might add have been perfectly satisfied that i am in no way breaking the law.....
But I've had it.
this week I got a letter from TV Licensing, I did'nt throw it in the bin this time as it was marked Urgent. Immidiate action must be taken.
I opened it and it explained how an investigation has now been launched against me!
I rang the emergency number, and after 5 mins of menus got through to someone:
Me: I've just had a letter saying I have to take immidiate action as an investigation has been launched at me.
Him: Can you give me the License number.
Me: I dont have a License. I dont watch TV or have the ability to receive it.
(my address is given and he gets my details)
Him: Yes, I see there is an investigation.
Me: (now getting angry) This is just harassment. I keep getting letters, people visiting, and now threats purely because I dont own a product that people think I should!
Him: I understand, I can stop the letters for a few years, but you'll still have an inspector visit soon.
Me: And what if I dont want to let him in? What are my rights here?
Him: You can decline him entering, but he has the right to get a court order to search the property.
Me: This is stupid, surely you have detector vans in the area?
Him: Of course we do.
Me: And as a minority they must be paying me visits regularly, so is there an entry on a computer somewhere showing I dont watch TV?
Him: No, I have no information on the computer.
Personally, I think the Detector Vans are a huge myth. I've never seen one, and I would have thought I'd be a prime target.
So, the conversation finished with me letting the Licensing company know with no doubt that this sort of harassment is completely unacceptable. I still await the inspectors visit, but weather to let him in....dont know yet. If it's the same guy as last time, who apparently made no record on the computer of his findings, he's in for an earfull!
And remember, what is the crime I commit that I get all this attention? I dont want a TV licence.
Can you think of any other product available that you get this much hassle for NOT buying?
There rant over. Now tell me....what would you do in my shoes?
10:32 Posted in Home Cinema | Permalink | Email this
Comments
Easy - check this out - www.bbctvlicence.com
Posted by: Roj | 09/06/2007
Thanks Roj, that was superb reading.
Posted by: Chris | 09/06/2007