Mum and her TV Licence

Also the letter said they can demand access at any time of day for payment, which is really worrying her. Its not like her bill wont get paid, but I think the BBC and TV Licensing are beyond the pale,

Does it ask for ant payment? I think it could be a scam.

Age Concern have a page on their web site about this scam.

I can’t link it but it’s easy to find.

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/tv-licence-scams/

Here’s the Age Concern link

It could definitely be a scam and may not be that’s she’s forgotten to pay
Don’t pay anything until you ve checked it out
It sounds way too threatening !

They can visit her property but apparently never do.

They are not allowed to gain access.

The Tv licensing authority regularly sends out frightening letters it is part of their modus operandi.

I was looking after a relative's house when they went into care. The tv was removed within days. I wrote and told the licensing authority, but they chose to ignore everything I did and said and sent me threatening letter after threatening letter saying they would break in and so on.

My relative lived 150 miles away and I could only get down there once a fortnight and I lived in continual dread of arriving to find the front door had been broken down, and, as the house was directly on the street with no front garden that once the house was insecure other people had gone inside and looted or damaged and defiled the house.

Do you need to have a TV licence if you are over 75?

Can't you get exemption?

www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/tv-licence-types-and-costs-top2

You dont need a licence after 75 so def a scam.

Only free to over 75s if in receipt of Pension Credit.

Oldbat1

You dont need a licence after 75 so def a scam.

Yes, everyone needs a TV licence except those with certain exemptions. Age is not one. Nor is deafness nor being partially sighted.

Who is your DM's MP. Desdemona? Is it worth an email to him or her? The Licensing Authority should not be allowed to terrify old people in this way.

My mother in law refused to have a television after her husband died. She used to get letters accusing her of not paying for a licence and they never seemed to believe that there would be anyone who wasn't watching. It was before the days of all the alternatives we have now. I don't think anyone ever came to check whether she'd got a set and after she went into a home it ceased to be an issue.

If she wants a tv licence, then you ring them, & pay on her behalf. You can tell them she is practically blind, (do the blind get a free tv licence?)
I don’t know who they think they are? They like the Gastapo!

Btw, someone intercepted my mums call to sky, totally different number came up- she clicked on when they said they were going to send her a free hamper. .she told them in no uncertain terms where to go. She phoned the bank because she had given her DOB & was worried.
Bank said it was a total scam.

I received several letters saying I had no TV licence after my H died.
I just ignored them as a scam as I was over 75.
It turned out the free licence was only for him as it was in his name.
I had to apply on my own behalf.
The letters were never anything but polite and came over several months.
It was quite complicated to remedy, I can’t remember why now.

They can't demand access they have the authority of the Avon lady. Watch chilli John carne on you tube.

Im 76 and just got my cancelled on line due to my age ..it took 10 mins to do..

Sorry you are wrong you do need a license over 75 usedtobeblond Oldbat Cold Kats2 there are NO exemptions for age or blind or deaf only if you are on Pension Credit, nothing else.
So if you don’t have one you should

Here’s the official answer Kats2
A 76-year-old is eligible for a free TV license if they, or their partner, receive Pension Credit. If they are not receiving Pension Credit, they will need to continue paying for their TV license. The free license is not automatic upon turning 75, and requires an application.

Yes you do. I pay mine at age 84. I think it is a fair price. If I went to the cinema every night that expense would be out of my reach.

There is a reduced fee if you are blind or severely sight impaired. You need to apply online. I think it is half price.

The rules on who needs a TV Licence are here:

www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/tv-licence-concessions/

‘ If you're blind or you have a severe sight impairment you can claim a 50% discount on your licence. If you live with anyone else, the licence needs to be in your name in order for your household to get the discount.’

On the 1st June 2020, the dispensation for over 75s not to have a TV Licence was revoked.

If someone is registered blind or severely sight impaired they can apply for a 50% discount on their tv licence, I would also try and set up a direct debit for it to go out of her bank account, that way it doesn't get overlooked again .

Here’s a link to age concerns site about how to spot a scam TV licensing letter
www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/tv-licence-scams/