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Mum and her TV Licence

(44 Posts)
Desdemona Thu 17-Jul-25 17:32:53

So mum is nearly 100 and has been paying her tv licence all her life. Recently her sight has gone, she has cataracts that cant be treated, she is seeing a specialist in a fortnight, but it is a foregone conclusion there is nothing they can do. She is also totally deaf and can;t move around much.

Today she got a letter to say that TV Lincensing, can, as of today visit her property and demand payment for her license.

Should I tell them that she has a sight test next month or is there no point in that? She can barely make her way to the front door let alone make out anything on the tv, although she does have the tv on most days.

She must have forgotten to pay her latest bill.

I am cross but I suppose I have no right to be. Someone has to pay for the "quality" services of the BBC don't they?

Aldom Sat 19-Jul-25 14:38:34

Oldbat1

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

I'm in my 80s and have to pay for a TV licence.
Please check your facts before posting misleading information.

Greciangirl Sat 19-Jul-25 15:26:35

She should be getting a fee t.v. License now.
Do look into it for her.

I’m surprised you didn’t know this Desdemona.

Is she in receipt of any benefits?

Tish Sat 19-Jul-25 15:28:36

Over 75’s who claim pension credit qualify for free tv licence also those who are registered blind…. GP or perhaps optician can verify this.

2507C0 Sat 19-Jul-25 17:07:39

Desdemona

So mum is nearly 100 and has been paying her tv licence all her life. Recently her sight has gone, she has cataracts that cant be treated, she is seeing a specialist in a fortnight, but it is a foregone conclusion there is nothing they can do. She is also totally deaf and can;t move around much.

Today she got a letter to say that TV Lincensing, can, as of today visit her property and demand payment for her license.

Should I tell them that she has a sight test next month or is there no point in that? She can barely make her way to the front door let alone make out anything on the tv, although she does have the tv on most days.

She must have forgotten to pay her latest bill.

I am cross but I suppose I have no right to be. Someone has to pay for the "quality" services of the BBC don't they?

Contact Denis Reed at Silver Voices. It is an organisation that fights for people of state pension age and they have been very vocal on this. They meet with government ministers and are often on the radio, on stations such as radio 2 Jeremy Vine and radio 4. They often are in the national press. They know a huge amount about this issue.

Snowbelle Sat 19-Jul-25 17:21:32

The letter is a SCAM I have a property It’s not currently used I’ve had all sorts of letters from TV licensing saying they may visit to check without warning but not this type. It is a SCAM ignore it she’s probably paid up. You can check online and pay if needed on line.

Foxglove77 Sat 19-Jul-25 17:35:25

TV Licensing are the worst. My Mum has advanced dementia and is in a complex nursing home. I contacted them to confirm her condition and they said she had to keep paying it and transfer to her nursing home.

The home has a tv licence to cover all residents, even though Mum never glances at the TV anyway, her dementia is beyond that.

We updated TV Licensing only for Mum to get a threatening letter fining her £1000 for not having a licence at her old house. Disgusting.

Oldbat1 Sat 19-Jul-25 17:38:27

Aldom you are very very rude!!!

Trisha99 Sat 19-Jul-25 17:58:56

Oldbat1

Aldom you are very very rude!!!

I doubt Aldom needs me to stand up for her, but she wasn’t rude.
She just pointed out that you should check before you post that your information is accurate, which it isn’t.

Aldom Sat 19-Jul-25 18:10:03

Thank you Trisha99 you're absolutely right. I wasn't being rude.
The OP asked for advice and incorrect information is not helpful to the OP or others in a similar situation who may be reading the thread.
Apologies to Oldbat if you were offended, but the inaccuracy is yours.

Shazmo24 Sat 19-Jul-25 19:25:15

Is your mum on pension credits? If she is then she doesn't need to pay a TV licence

Allira Sat 19-Jul-25 20:52:00

Oldbat1

Aldom you are very very rude!!!

No, Aldom is not rude.

She politely asked you to check your facts before posting information which might mislead people and lead to a possible fine.

Mojack26 Sat 19-Jul-25 22:38:33

Sounds like a scam to me! How can they demand entry any time of day? Contact the police

Aldom Sun 20-Jul-25 11:39:22

Allira smile flowers

watermeadow Sun 20-Jul-25 11:45:19

I haven’t had a television for most of my life. Occasionally I’ve been asked by the licensing authority if I have a licence, which I now need to watch the I Player, but have never been harassed or threatened.

Wishes Sun 20-Jul-25 13:38:38

Many years ago I did have someone from TV Licensing turn up on my doorstep questioning why I didn't have a license.

I was sick of responding to their letters telling them that I did in fact have one.
I kept the proof including a bank statement, near my front door ready for the day they might turn up.

I kept my cool with him and only made him squirm some!

Aldom Sun 20-Jul-25 13:52:56

Wishes Great story! grin

Allira Sun 20-Jul-25 20:19:13

I always wondered if those detector vans actually worked or if they just knocked on random doors.
Surely just a visual check would reveal an aerial on a roof?

Astitchintime Sun 20-Jul-25 20:33:07

We have received several scam letters and emails regarding TV licence (lack of) payments. The DD is paid out monthly so we know we are legal despite the licence being electronic now, no longer get a piece of paper but it is concerning to think some individuals might get caught out.