We've been sent letters on an almost monthly basis claiming that an officer is "scheduled" to make a visit, that we have a "ten day window" to respond before they take action, etc... . Nothing ever happens and no one ever visits.
I know that you don't have to let the enforcement folk in, and if they turn up I'll politely ask to see their search warrant or for them to mind their own business. But lots of people don't know this and are conditioned to be passive. Prosecutions include the mentally vulnerable and people whose finances are handled by the council. There are thousands every year. Three quarters of the prosecutions are against women, and it makes up more than a quarter of prosecutions against women.
The Guardian wrote an article about it earlier this year: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/29/tv-licence-fee...
Not strictly true, if you watch television channels live over YouTube you need one
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/topics/w...
If they catch you watching TV they will report you for a £1000 fine and a criminal record. Failing to pay it will land you in prison.
I spent years without a license, you don't need one for YouTube and Netflix. I unplugged the aerial wire. You do need it for any live TV or BBC catch up TV. I got visited once during that time and he kept asking to come in, I kept telling him I didn't need to let him. He kept asking what I watch on TV, I told him politely, that was none of his concern.
If they suspect you are harboring an illegal TV then they will come back with a warrant and the police!
If they suspect