Mum and her TV Licence

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.

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?

Wishes Great story!

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!

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.

Allira

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

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.

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

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.

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 you are very very rude!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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/

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 .

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.

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

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.

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.

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