Thursday, August 17, 2006
TV License Tax. Again
I posted here on the lack of the monthly reminder from the telly tax bods. As expected, they have now got their stationary in order and the monthly missal missile has arrived.
As predicted, they have taken the opportunity to re-draft their letters, so I look foward to receiving the full gamut over the next few years. If this latest is anything to go by they should be just as rude and possibly more threatening than the last lot.
This one comes in an envelope upon which is written: "Urgent Legal Information"; inside, I'm told (written in black on a dirty pink background): "WARNING: YOU MAY BE ORDERED TO PAY LEGAL COSTS IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF USING TV RECEIVING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A LICENCE."
I'm so scared, my goodness what next? An Asbo?
The text of the letter informs me of the same and that the legal costs will be in addition to the maximum fine. Well that's very interesting as how can they know anyone will get the maximum fine. They go on to state that the costs will vary in each case, but not that the fine will. Surely the maximum is simply that, a maximum and the magistrate is free to impose a smaller fine if they want to.
The letter comes from Michelle Tunstall who is styled as the "Head of Enforcement" which to me sounds more like a dodgy film title as opposed to a job.
They then say that if I'm not using TV receiving equipment to write to them, but I know that's a waste of time and they'll want to come and visit to confirm it. Rather I'll let them keep writing, it costs them money every time, and each penny is less money for "quality programming" from the BBC.
But to all of you who do pay, remember a portion of your money is being spent fruitlessly harassing me, and this can only be achieved thanks to the "unique way the BBC is funded".
As predicted, they have taken the opportunity to re-draft their letters, so I look foward to receiving the full gamut over the next few years. If this latest is anything to go by they should be just as rude and possibly more threatening than the last lot.
This one comes in an envelope upon which is written: "Urgent Legal Information"; inside, I'm told (written in black on a dirty pink background): "WARNING: YOU MAY BE ORDERED TO PAY LEGAL COSTS IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF USING TV RECEIVING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT A LICENCE."
I'm so scared, my goodness what next? An Asbo?
The text of the letter informs me of the same and that the legal costs will be in addition to the maximum fine. Well that's very interesting as how can they know anyone will get the maximum fine. They go on to state that the costs will vary in each case, but not that the fine will. Surely the maximum is simply that, a maximum and the magistrate is free to impose a smaller fine if they want to.
The letter comes from Michelle Tunstall who is styled as the "Head of Enforcement" which to me sounds more like a dodgy film title as opposed to a job.
They then say that if I'm not using TV receiving equipment to write to them, but I know that's a waste of time and they'll want to come and visit to confirm it. Rather I'll let them keep writing, it costs them money every time, and each penny is less money for "quality programming" from the BBC.
But to all of you who do pay, remember a portion of your money is being spent fruitlessly harassing me, and this can only be achieved thanks to the "unique way the BBC is funded".
Tags: television license, telly tax, harassment, freedom
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.
