Why we're here:
This blog is to highlight the unjust persecution of legitimate non-TV users at the hands of TV Licensing. These people do not require a licence and are entitled to live without the unnecessary stress and inconvenience caused by TV Licensing's correspondence and employees.

If you use equipment to receive live broadcast TV programmes, or to watch or download BBC on-demand programmes via the iPlayer, then the law requires you to have a TV licence and we encourage you to buy one.

If you've just arrived here from a search engine, then you might find our Quick Guide helpful.

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Saturday 14 October 2017

BBC Blows Millions on TV Licensing Threatograms


The BBC has spent more than £6 million sending threatograms to unlicensed properties in the last year.

The letters, which are typically daubed in accusatory red print and riddled with half-truths and innuendo, threaten the recipient with a criminal record and fine of up to £1,000 unless they buy a TV licence immediately. Every unlicensed property receives the same noxious correspondence, despite the BBC acknowledging that more than 80% do not legally need a TV licence.

The BBC is the Licensing Authority, responsible for all aspects of collecting the TV licence fee and administering the TV licence system. The BBC undertakes this statutory function under the guise of TV Licensing, but make no mistake that the BBC and TV Licensing are one and the same. The deceptive and intimidating wording of every TV Licensing letter receives final approval from the BBC.

According to an article in today's The Sun, in 2016 the BBC's TV Licensing contractors distributed 28.6 million letters at a cost of 22 pence each. That number represents an increase of 2.7 million letters since 2014, despite TV Licensing's promises to reduce paper.

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, an outspoken opponent of the BBC and TV Licensing, said the letters were "taxpayers' money chasing taxpayers' money".

Chloe Westley, of campaign group the TaxPayers' Alliance, added: "It's a ridiculous waste.

"The fact magistrates dismiss so many cases shows people are being taken to court without thorough checks being put in place."

TV Licensing, for its part, said that the costs of collecting the TV licence fee had fallen by a quarter since 2010/11.

It added: "Letters are a cost effective way to get people to buy a licence."

If you've found this article useful please support us by using our link the next time you shop at Amazon. You can also support us by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter or downloading our free ebook.

1 comment:

Lord Haw x 2 said...

Threatograms ex the BBC used to come in brown paper envelopes but now arrive with me in white paper envelopes that I speculate cost more to purchase. All are treated the same (binned on sight unopened) so perhaps as a cost-cutting measure to benefit the taxpayer the BBC might revert to using brown paper?