If you own and watch a TV, you need a TV licence. There are many misconceptions surrounding this issue, so understanding the legal requirements and the consequences could save you a costly fine or even a court case.
TV Licensing
TV Licensing is an official government agency, and the BBC is the statutory Television Licensing Authority. This means it is responsible for everything that relates to TV licence administration and enforcement. The BBC contracts private companies to carry out most of the work required in performing its role. Collectively, these organisations all operate under the name TV Licensing, which is a BBC trademark. The BBC therefore has legal responsibility for the administration and enforcement of the licence fee.
Installation
If you own a television and it is installed and used to watch TV programmes, then you require a licence. It is not the TV itself that requires the licence, but the installation and use.
BBC
One of the most common myths of all is that you only need a licence if you watch BBC channels. It doesn’t matter what programmes you watch or what country they originate from. If your television set is installed, you need a licence.
Legal
Many people believe TV licence evasion is only a civil offence. In actual fact, it is an offence which is regularly tried before a Magistrates’ Court and therefore has criminal status which can affect a person’s future prospects in terms of loans, employment and benefits, so it is important people planning on using a TV in their home understand this and act accordingly.
Watching TV is as popular as ever, and with more channels and choice than ever before, the quality of the programmes available is getting better and better. All people of all ages watch television from all kinds of locations for example in a Residential Park Homes location on your favourite sofa. To find out what the homes look like at these locations and to join in with park home life take a look at their sites. Viewing figures for the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle saw huge numbers of viewers, as did England’s first World Cup 2018 match against Tunisia, which saw record viewing figures – as reported in The Metro Newspaper.
Your Rights
TV Licensing employees do not have the right to enter a private property. In the TV Licensing rules it states that employees must leave a property immediately if they are asked to do so by the occupier.
