In answer to a question earlier on, paying the TV licence monthly by direct debit doesn't cost more but they way they work it, you are always well in credit and I seem to remember that meant a large payment when I started (too long ago now to remember exactly).
In other words, I am currently payingby direct debit for the licence six months ahead, so that if I suddenly decide to stop paying, the BBC will still receive the money for what I've watched so far and it gives them six months to check whether I really have no telly. It's illegal to receive a signal without a licence (remember the old detector vans?).
This whole problem started when the Government decided not to fund the licence fee rebate and put the onus on the BBC. As usual, we are the soft targets and I agree that it's another injustice for Waspis and that the BBC should look at cutting some of its massive top salaries before picking on those who are facing very real income restrictions at the time when we may need to heat our homes more and can't get out as much, especially in winter. I know some elderly people for whom the television is a Godsend.
If you have ever had to apply for means tested benefits - or helped someone else do it - you will know how hard - verging on impossible - it is unless you really know how to work the system...and most of us don't.
