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Mum and her TV Licence

(43 Posts)
Kats2 Sat 19-Jul-25 13:57:42

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

Moii Sat 19-Jul-25 13:37:37

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

Usedtobeblonde Thu 17-Jul-25 23:45:36

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.

Mt61 Thu 17-Jul-25 23:32:16

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.

Mt61 Thu 17-Jul-25 23:24:29

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!

Deedaa Thu 17-Jul-25 20:59:12

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.

Allira Thu 17-Jul-25 20:45:26

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.

Georgesgran Thu 17-Jul-25 20:06:09

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

Oldbat1 Thu 17-Jul-25 20:03:04

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

Cold Thu 17-Jul-25 20:01:21

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

M0nica Thu 17-Jul-25 19:50:32

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.

Sago Thu 17-Jul-25 18:54:18

They can visit her property but apparently never do.

They are not allowed to gain access.

BlueBelle Thu 17-Jul-25 18:51:24

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 !

BlueBelle Thu 17-Jul-25 18:49:50

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

Here’s the Age Concern link

Lathyrus3 Thu 17-Jul-25 17:45:05

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

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

Lathyrus3 Thu 17-Jul-25 17:37:42

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

Desdemona Thu 17-Jul-25 17:36:22

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,

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?