Borough’s TV licence shame

OLDHAM is riding high in the TV licence dodgers league of shame.

In the first half of 2008, 700 people were caught watching their TV without a licence, making the borough the fourth worst in Greater Manchester.

People are being warned they could face prosecution and a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

Licence shirkers are being advised to cough up or be caught, as the TV licensing’s database contains more than 29 million addresses and unlicensed properties can be identified at the touch of a button.

Inquiry officers also have access to sophisticated detection equipment, including hi-tech handheld detectors, which were launched a year ago this month.

Manchester tops the league for the most licence dodgers, with 3,626 people caught for failing to pay, followed by Bolton and Wigan, with 1,141 and 975 evaders respectively.

Anyone who uses or installs television equipment to receive or record television programmes as they are being broadcast needs a TV licence.

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokeswoman, said: “No town wants to appear in TV Licensing’s league of shame. Buying a TV licence is simple and can be done in minutes online, so there’s no excuse for licence-dodgers in Oldham.

“TV Licensing’s powerful database shows precisely which properties are unlicensed, meaning inquiry officers can target addresses where they suspect people are watching TV illegally. But we would much rather people buy a licence rather than risk prosecution and a fine, which is why we offer a convenient range of ways to pay.”

For more information about how to spread the cost of your licence, go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info

A colour TV licence costs £139.50, while a black and white licence costs £47. People can pay over the counter at PayPoint outlets, through monthly, quarterly or annual direct debits, online, by post or by debit or credit card over the phone.

Anyone who would like more information on paying for a TV licence or who would like to pay over the phone can call 0844-800 6732.