I am 72 years old and do not watch TV. I listen to LBC radio all day and read books and magazines. I still have access to my late husband’s iPlayer account and, after logging in at my neighbour’s house, I have received a legal warning.
I have moved house since he died and contacted TV Licensing to declare that no licence was required because I don’t own a TV. Over Christmas, I was babysitting, and I logged into iPlayer (the people I was babysitting for have a licence, so I was covered).
Soon after, I received email stating that my “no licence” status had been breached. I went on to the TV Licensing website to find out how I could explain the situation to them, but could not see a way to do it.
I have since received a letter saying I should “get in touch”, or an enforcement team will be sent to my home. But there was no phone number or email address.
I eventually found a number online that I used to reconfirm that I do not require a licence. However, it was automated, and I really wanted to hear confirmation that this would be the end of it. Can you help?
GP, Woldingham
With the proliferation of streaming services, as well as the ability to watch programmes on the move, it is getting harder to keep track of what you can and can’t do.
When it comes to having a TV licence, it is not just about whether or not you are a fan of the Beeb. You need a licence to watch or record live programmes on any platform (from Sky and Virgin to ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, YouTube and more), or view any shows on the BBC iPlayer. The rules apply to any device, including a laptop, phone or tablet, not just a TV (they are explained on the TV Licensing website). If you tune in without paying the £169.50 annual fee (£174.50 from 1 April), you are open to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
But a TV licence is registered to an address as opposed to an individual, so it was perfectly legal to be watching programmes on the iPlayer at your friend’s house. However, the email linked to the account was flagged on the TV Licensing system for some reason. It has now confirmed your “no licence needed” declaration, and you should not receive any more threatening letters.
We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions.
