Thousands watching TV without a licence

11:30pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Vicki Henderson, Darlington reporter

THOUSANDS of people around the region were caught watching television without a licence last year, new figures show.

TV Licensing, which issues licences and monitors evasion, said almost 95 per cent of homes were correctly licensed in 2012, but a small minority are still watching illegally.

Figures released by the company show that more than 2,800 people were caught without a licence in Middlesbrough, while 1,000 people in Darlington, 1,400 in Stockton and 1,200 people in Hartlepool were prosecuted.

Lucy Baird, TV Licensing spokeswoman, said: “The data released today shows evasion remains at historically low levels of approximately five per cent, with the overwhelming majority of people ensuring there are correctly licensed.

TV Licensing has urged people to look at different ways to pay for their licence if they struggle to afford the cost in one go, including weekly cash payment schemes, a savings card or monthly direct debit.

Anyone who watches television programmes on any device without a license risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

For information about licensing requirements and ways to pay, visit tvlicensing.co.uk

Comments (5)

8:16am Wed 20 Feb 13

Madadrian says...

Its about time the tv licence was abolished and the bbc privatised. It is no longer a service that educates and informs. It is an evil empire with the sole purpose of enriching those it invites to join on the tax funded gravy train.
Its about time the tv licence was abolished and the bbc privatised. It is no longer a service that educates and informs. It is an evil empire with the sole purpose of enriching those it invites to join on the tax funded gravy train. Madadrian

1:43pm Wed 20 Feb 13

Homshaw1 says...

Agree with the above. The license fee should be scrapped
Agree with the above. The license fee should be scrapped Homshaw1

1:55pm Wed 20 Feb 13

miketually says...

Africa and Wonders Of Life are worth the licence fee alone. As are CBeebies and CBBC, for those with kids.
Africa and Wonders Of Life are worth the licence fee alone. As are CBeebies and CBBC, for those with kids. miketually

3:54pm Wed 20 Feb 13

Madadrian says...

Why should the rest of us pay for your entertainment?
Teach your children to read. Read them stories.

Meanwhile there are thousands of truly free tv stations available that cannot be accessed unless one pays the BBC protection.
Why should the rest of us pay for your entertainment? Teach your children to read. Read them stories. Meanwhile there are thousands of truly free tv stations available that cannot be accessed unless one pays the BBC protection. Madadrian

11:15am Thu 21 Feb 13

miketually says...

"there are thousands of truly free tv stations available that cannot be accessed unless one pays the BBC protection."

They're not truly free. You pay for them through advertising.
"there are thousands of truly free tv stations available that cannot be accessed unless one pays the BBC protection." They're not truly free. You pay for them through advertising. miketually

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