A MAN tried to get out of paying for his TV licence by claiming only his dog watched it.

Officials from TV Licensing were given the excuse for non-payment when they visited the house in Gateshead.

The man said: “It’s only for the dog, it stops him howling when I’m out. I put it straight off when I come back in as there’s nowt on.”

Around 94 per cent of homes across the UK are correctly licensed, but a small minority of people continue to offer TV Licensing Enquiry Officers flimsy excuses as to why they don’t have a licence when caught evading.

A man from a student house in Newcastle said: “There are three of us here and we fight over what to watch. We can’t even agree on films, so don’t start World War Three on getting us to agree who pays for this.”

A licence is needed not just for watching and recording live television but for watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer.

TV Licensing spokesman Matthew Thompson said: “We offer help to those struggling. We would much rather people buy a TV Licence in small instalments, than face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

A TV Licence costs £147 and can be bought online at tvlicensing.co.uk/info or by calling 0300-790-6071.

Top 10 Excuses in the Last Year

  • Sorry, I can’t buy a licence because I’m giving CPR to my goldfish
  • My tag interferes with the TV signal
  • I don’t watch the BBC [as the theme tune to EastEnders played out in the background]
  • I only watch Premier League football, and as I am a Newcastle fan, I no longer need a TV Licence
  • I have a smart TV and it’s that smart it can work without a licence
  • I don’t need a TV Licence because when we got divorced a court gave her half of everything so I got the TV and she got the licence. Go find her!
  • I am exempt from buying a TV Licence, as I am Prince Harry’s girlfriend
  • I am not paying for my licence now that the BBC are showing porn. Gary Lineker in the nude on Match of the Day – disgusting!
  • I only have one leg, I shouldn’t have to pay
  • [With reference to a flat screen TV showing the Simpsons] Customer: It’s not a TV, it’s an LCD fire. Enquiry Officer: And it’s got Bart Simpson-shaped flames