An 89-year-old individual in West Yorkshire faced confusion and distress after receiving letters from TV Licensing demanding payment for a TV license, despite not watching live television or using services like BBC iPlayer. The individual, who uses their television set solely for playing DVDs and videos and does not have an aerial, had previously made a 'no licence needed' (NLN) declaration.
These NLN declarations are typically valid for 24 months and are intended to reduce the frequency of reminder letters. However, the individual's family had arranged the declaration due to the person's anxiety about technology, and a recent communication from TV Licensing suggested licensable content might have been accessed from the property. This prompted further demands for payment.
It was discovered that the email address used to manage the NLN declaration was the same one used by a relative to sign into iPlayer. TV Licensing confirmed that while a review was prompted by activity suggesting licensable content access, the NLN declaration remains in place. The organization stated that they had spoken with the reader and clarified the circumstances.
The cost of a TV license in the UK is £180 per year or £60.50 for a black and white license. Watching live or recorded TV programs on any channel or using BBC iPlayer without a license is illegal. However, accessing on-demand programs on streaming services like Netflix is permissible without a license, provided live broadcasts are not viewed.
TV Licensing sends reminders to properties that have not registered as NLN as often as once a month, with messages that can become increasingly threatening, including warnings of potential visits from enforcement officers and fines. Approximately 3.7 million residential and business premises have stated they do not require a TV license.
In a separate consumer issue, a bettor was initially refused payment on a World Cup final wager when the bookmaker claimed the bet was only valid for the first 90 minutes of play. The bet, placed on 'Spain to win World Cup final,' was made at odds of 23/20. Spain secured a 1-0 victory in extra time. Coral, the bookmaker, stated that the bet was accepted on the match result market, which pertains to the outcome after 90 minutes. An alternative market, 'Spain to lift the trophy,' covered extra time and penalties, with different odds. As a goodwill gesture, Coral agreed to honor the bet based on the 'lift the trophy' market and awarded the customer £15.71. The bookmaker acknowledged that the distinction between the markets may not have been sufficiently clear to occasional bettors.