Do you need a TV licence just to own a TV but not watch any channels?

• I am moving tomorrow and was wondering if you need a TV licence just to have a tv and watch dvd's on it, i have a tv licence for this place but its up at the start of next month and never watch tv, the tv in this house hasn't been on since about april, and the one in my bedroom i only play dvd's on? could anyone tell me more on this matter? also what about watching shows on your computer do you need a licence for this?

• Answer:

  Hi Lynne, This has long been an interesting question. The simple answer is, if you have any equipment in you house that can receive a television signal, and you are using it you have to have a TV Licence. This includes: Televisions, Digital Set-top boxes, VCRs, DVD recorders, PC’s and Laptops to watch live TV programmes online such as BBC iPlayer, BBC News, ITV online or 4OD or Mobile Phones that can be used to watch live TV. If you use a TV only to watch DVD’s or play computer games you do not have to have a TV Licence. You do however have to write to TV Licensing to tell them this and they may send an inspector round to check this. However, if you watch ITV/Channel4/five or even if you pay a subscription to Sky, Virgin Media, or have freesat you are still required to hold a valid TV Licence. If you are only using a Digital set-top box through a hi-fi to get digital radio, and you can not ‘view’ any live TV pictures then you will not need a Licence. The current TV Licence is £139.50 for a colour TV or £47.00 if you only have a black and white TV. This means that if you take out a direct debit it will cost you less than £12 a month or £35 for a quarter. You can also set up payment plans with them if you are on low income. You can get a free TV Licence if you have someone over the age of 75 living in the household, or receive a 50% reduction in the cost of the Licence if there is a member of the household who is blind or severely sight impaired. If you choose not to buy a Licence and are caught watching the television you could face prosecution, a caugh appearance and a find of up to £1000. For more information on issues to do with TV Licensing see www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call them on 0844 800 6790 I hope this helps you.