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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 3rd JUNE 2014
Question
Would the Minister state whether he is aware that householders without a television are continually threatened by TV licensing inspectors despite having advised them of their lack of television by letter and telephone, and advise what action, if any, can be taken to address this matter?
Answer
I am aware of some current concerns. My understanding is that such cases are, fortunately, rare. However, I recognise that any individual who is in this situation may find it distressing.
For clarification, it is a legal requirement to have a TV Licence if you watch or record television programmes, on any device, as they're being shown on TV. A TV Licence is not required if you don't use any of these devices to watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV - for example, if you use your TV only to watch DVDs or play video games, or you only watch catch up' services like BBC iPlayer or 4oD.
People in Jersey can apply for a free over 75' TV Licence if they are aged 75 years or over and on a low income. In these circumstances householders should contact the Social Security Department. Jersey residents who are registered as blind are eligible for a 50% concession on their licence and should contact TV Licencing to apply.
Where a TV Licence is not required it is important to inform TV Licencing and to follow the correct process as set out on the TV Licencing website (https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/no-licence- needed/index.app). The Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau also provides information on TV Licencing on its website and is able to offer general advice to individuals.
If a householder is concerned about the tenor of the communications they have received from TV Licencing or is unsure how to resolve the issue then I would encourage them to contact the Jersey Trading Standards Service who will be happy to ensure that they have followed the right process and, if necessary, intercede on their behalf to help resolve the matter.
The Jersey Trading Standards Service has dealt with a small number of similar cases over the last few years all of which have been satisfactorily resolved.