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Television Licencing
A TV Licence is needed if a television is used to view or record television programmes. Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 TV it is an offence to install or use a television without a licence, which is triable summarily and subject to a maximum fine of £1,000. There are different rules for students, businesses, those aged over 74 years, hotels, residential care homes and second homes.
The Department for Culture Media and Sport sets the amount of the TV Licence and decides who needs to have a licence. The Broadcasting Act 1990 made the BBC responsible for the administration of the licence. TV Licensing is the trading name used by BBC’s agents.
TV Licensing have to apply to a magistrate for a search warrant in order to enter a property to be able to check whether there is an unlicensed TV there. Such a search warrant can only be granted if the magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 is being committed. Article 8 – The Right to Respect for your Private and Family Life – may be infringed if an Enquiry Officer enters a home without a warrant and without the occupier’s consent.
The Department for Culture Media and Sport sets the amount of the TV Licence and decides who needs to have a licence. The Broadcasting Act 1990 made the BBC responsible for the administration of the licence. TV Licensing is the trading name used by BBC’s agents.
TV Licensing have to apply to a magistrate for a search warrant in order to enter a property to be able to check whether there is an unlicensed TV there. Such a search warrant can only be granted if the magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949 is being committed. Article 8 – The Right to Respect for your Private and Family Life – may be infringed if an Enquiry Officer enters a home without a warrant and without the occupier’s consent.
