Latest news with #SingleJusticeProcedureNotice
Edinburgh Live
16 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Dad wins landmark TV Licence battle after cancelling to stream from games console
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A dad has won a landmark battle with TV Licensing after cancelling his licence in favour of streaming services on his gaming console. The current price for a TV licence is £174.50, granting lawful access to BBC programmes and live viewing across networks such as ITV and Channel 4, whether through aerial or online. But it seems not everyone must cough up for the fee, as Lee Stuart from Kirkby demonstrated in court. Last year, Mr Stuart had a run-in with a TV Licensing official and stated his case. Lee Stuart told the officer: "I told him I just watch Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation, and he asked me if I used BBC iPlayer and I said, 'no'." READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better king' READ MORE - World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants After he signed a declaration confirming his statements, as reported by the Express, he thought that would be the last of the situation. But a Single Justice Procedure Notice soon dropped into his letterbox, indicating a potential legal skirmish. Resolved to fight his corner, Mr Stuart stood his ground in the dock, contesting the assertion from TV Licensing that he was watching the news and rebuffed an entry request from their agent. Sefton Magistrates Court dismissed the charge due to insufficient proof, reports Derbyshire Live. A spokesperson for TV Licensing clarified: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." However, it has since come to light that Mr Stuart's claims were indeed accurate, according to TV Licensing's own rules. TV Licensing's guidelines stipulate that a TV Licence is essential for anyone who:. - Watches or records live TV across any channel using services like Sky, Virgin, Freeview, or Freesat. - Streams live content on platforms such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, or Sky Go. - Utilises BBC iPlayer in any capacity. However, there are exemptions where a TV Licence isn't necessary:. - Viewing on-demand content on Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, provided it's not live. For instance, you can legally watch series like Drive To Survive, Stranger Things, Ted Lasso, or Clarkson's Farm without a TV Licence. But watching live sports, such as a Premier League match on Amazon Prime, would require a Licence. TV Licensing emphasises: "You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer." LIVE doesn't just refer to a live match, but also if you're watching Coronation Street as it's being broadcast 'live', you'll need a TV Licence. However, if you catch up on an ITV or Channel 4 show later, you won't require a licence for that.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174 Some households may not even need a TV Licence, but avoiding it when you do need one could cost £1,000 Deciding what to watch could cost your £174 or more (Image: GETTY ) TV Licence regulations can be confusing, with some people potentially paying £174.50 unnecessarily, while others could be risking a £1,000 fine by unlawfully evading the fee. The need for a TV Licence largely hinges on the type of television you watch or record, and if you don't meet the criteria for a TV Licence, completing a straightforward form can keep the agency at bay. According to the TV Licensing authority, you'll need a TV licence if you watch any of the following: All live TV channels such as BBC, ITV and international channels Paid live TV services like Sky and Virgin Media Live streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix BBC iPlayer This also encompasses watching, recording or downloading any of the above on any device. However, if you aren't watching any type of live TV or using BBC iPlayer, there's a chance that you might not require a TV licence. For instance, if you're solely watching DVDs, on-demand services like ITVX and All 4 or streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, then according to the Daily Record, you won't need a licence. Article continues below Lee Stuart, a resident of Kirkby, falls into this category as he exclusively watches online streaming services. Initially, Lee had a TV licence registered at his home, but after ceasing to watch broadcast TV, he cancelled his licence. Months later, he subsequently received a Single Justice Procedure Notice in January alleging that he was watching live TV without a valid licence. When a case escalates to such an extent, people may face a penalty of up to £1,000 plus legal costs if they are brought to court. However, Lee, who represented himself in front of the judge, saw his case thrown out due to lack of proof. Following the judgement, a spokesperson from TV Licensing said: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." Lee was under the impression his ordeal had ended, but he was promptly reminded by the agency about a potential need for a TV licence. Consequently, he lodged an official complaint and completed a 'No Licence Needed' (NLN) declaration. TV Licensing has acknowledged receipt of Mr Stuart's NLN form. Article continues below The online NLN declaration process involves outlining your viewing activities to establish whether you indeed require a licence. TV Licensing warns: "If you tell us you don't need a licence we may visit you to check. "If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay." TV Licensing's spokesperson further clarified that by declaring no need for a TV licence, one could halt the barrage of correspondence recommending and reminding the individual to procure a licence; this respite from letters will only persist for a year, after which they will recommence in case there has been a change in situation.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Households that can save £174 a year by cancelling TV licence
Getting a No Licence Needed declaration could put an end to TV Licensing letters and visits TV Licence rules can be confusing, but some people may be paying £174.50 for no reason, while others could be risking £1,000 by skipping the fee illegally. This largely depends on what type of TV you watch or record, and if you don't meet the requirements for a TV Licence, filling out one simple form can keep the agency at bay. If you watch any of the following, you'll need to have a TV licence according to the TV Licensing authority: All live TV channels such as BBC, ITV and international channels Paid live TV services like Sky and Virgin Media Live streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix BBC iPlayer This also includes watching, recording or downloading any of the above on any device. However, if you aren't watching any type of live TV or using BBC iPlayer, there may be a change that you don't need a TV licence. For example, if you're only watching DVDs, on-demand services like ITVX and All 4 or streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, then you won't need a licence according to the Daily Record. Lee Stuart fell into this group as he exclusively watched online streaming services. The Kirkby resident initially had a TV licence registered on his home, but stopped watching broadcast TV and subsequently cancelled his licence. He then received a Single Justice Procedure Notice in January alleging that he was watching live TV without a valid licence. When a case gets to this point, the penalty can go up to £1,000 plus legal costs if you are prosecuted. But Stuart defended himself in court, and the case was ultimately dismissed by the judge due to a lack of proof. After the verdict was revealed, a TV Licensing representative said: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." Stuart thought his troubles were over, but he soon received a remined from the agency about potentially needing a licence. In response, he filed an official grievance and filled out a No Licence Needed declaration. TV Licensing has confirmed they have received Mr Stuart's NLN form. This declaration form can be done online and asks you to describe your viewing habits to check you really don't need a licence. TV Licensing notes: "If you tell us you don't need a licence we may visit you to check. "If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay." A TV licensing spokesperson explained that declaring you don't need a licence will stop letters being sent to your address advising and reminding you about getting a TV licence. This will only last for one year though and letters will resume just in case your circumstances have changed.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
BBC TV licence rules and what you must not do after man taken to court
BBC TV licence rules and what you must not do after man taken to court The rules surrounding TV licensing can be confusing, but this is what you need to know about watching TV legally (Image: PA ) The ins and outs of TV licence laws can certainly be confusing. The BBC relies on the annual £174.50 charge to fund its television, radio, and online services, with payment options being a one-off sum or manageable direct debit instalments. Your watching habits are the deciding factor for whether a TV licence is necessary. Watching or recording live TV on any device, or accessing the content of BBC iPlayer, means you must pay the fee but if you're only using non-live catch-up or streaming services, you don't have to pay. The TV Licence's official website spells it out: "Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of TV. It covers you for. This includes watching, recording and downloading. On any device." As summed up by the Liverpool Echo, possessing a TV licence is essential for viewing or recording live broadcasts, regardless of the device used, as well as for catching up on any BBC iPlayer content, live or otherwise. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here If, on the other hand, your watchlist is limited to catch-up platforms like ITVX and All4, or streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, then no licence is required, reports the Daily Record. Also exempt from the licence mandate are avid gamers and those who exclusively watch DVDs or Blu-rays. This clarification coincides with a report where a man was fortunate enough to have his TV licensing court case dismissed at Sefton Magistrates' Court. Article continues below Lee Stuart from Kirby initially purchased a TV licence when setting up his home but later chose to cancel it, as traditional television didn't appeal to him, opting instead for online streaming services exclusively. A TV Licensing spokesperson clarified: "If a property we believe should be licensed is unlicensed, letters are sent to that address advising of the requirement for a TV Licence if the occupant watches live TV or other licensable content. This stops for one year when the occupant declares they don't need a licence, when letters will resume to check if circumstances have changed." However, Lee was left confused in January this year when he received a Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN), accusing him of watching television without a valid licence. Lee held his ground in court, challenging the accusation: "I can see why people just accept it, but I knew I was innocent and I wasn't paying for a TV licence that I didn't need so I fought it." "I'll be totally honest, I was surprised by the outcome and I thought it might be good to share my experience." Lee's courtroom appearance ended with an acquittal due to insufficient evidence. Post-trial, a TV Licensing official commented: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." The spokesperson noted that though both the officer and Mr Stuart gave what seemed like credible evidence in court, the magistrates were not persuaded beyond reasonable doubt of the case's certainty. Mr Stuart was initially heartened by the outcome but became disgruntled after receiving another nudge from TV Licensing regarding the need for a licence. Subsequently, he lodged a formal complaint and submitted a No Licence Needed (NLN) declaration. Article continues below He commented: "The form asks at the end, 'What outcome do you want from this?' and I just put 'All I want is to be left alone, but an apology wouldn't go amiss." TV Licensing has confirmed they have received Mr Stuart's NLN form.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
BBC TV licence rules explained after man taken to court
The TV Licence rules are more complicated than you might expect - don't get caught out. Navigating the ins and outs of TV licence regulations can often feel like a tricky task. The annual £174.50 charge contributes to the BBC's television, radio, and online services, which can be settled in one go or paid by direct debit. However, it's your viewing habits that determine the need of a TV licence. If you watch or record live TV across any gadget, or sneakily check out BBC iPlayer's offerings, then the fee is applicable. On the flip side, users of non-live catch-up or streaming platforms aren't liable for the licence. The TV Licence's official site clarifies: "Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of TV. It covers you for. This includes watching, recording and downloading. On any device." To simplify matters as detailed in the Liverpool Echo, a licence is crucial for anyone watching or recording live TV as it's broadcasted, regardless of the technology used, and also to view any content on BBC iPlayer, live or otherwise. On the other hand, should your usage be confined to just catch-up services such as ITVX, All4, along with streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, then a licence isn't needed. And if you're a keen gamer or only watch DVDs and Blu-rays, you're also in the clear from the licence requirement. It comes after the publication revealed that one lucky man had his TV licence-related court case tossed out at Sefton Magistrates' Court. Lee Stuart, from Kirby, initially acquired a TV licence when he set up home but then opted to cancel it as broadcast telly did not take his fancy, and he used only online streaming services. A TV Licensing spokesperson explained: "If a property we believe should be licensed is unlicensed, letters are sent to that address advising of the requirement for a TV Licence if the occupant watches live TV or other licensable content. This stops for one year when the occupant declares they don't need a licence, when letters will resume to check if circumstances have changed." However earlier this year in January, Lee was left baffled after receiving a Single Justice Procedure Notice (SJPN), an allegation suggesting he had watched TV without a valid licence. Lee defended himself before the bench, determined to face down the charge. His defiant stance paid off. "I can see why people just accept it, but I knew I was innocent and I wasn't paying for a TV licence that I didn't need so I fought it." He added: "I'll be totally honest, I was surprised by the outcome and I thought it might be good to share my experience." Lee's day in court concluded with the dismissal of charges owing to a lack of proof. A TV Licensing representative remarked post-verdict: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." The spokesperson remarked that, despite both the officer and Mr Stuart presenting plausible testimony in court, the magistrates were unconvinced that the case could be established with certainty beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Stuart initially felt relieved by the decision, but his mood changed after being contacted again by TV Licensing with a reminder about needing a licence. In response, he has filed an official grievance and handed in a No Licence Needed (NLN) declaration. He stated: "The form asks at the end, 'What outcome do you want from this?' and I just put 'All I want is to be left alone, but an apology wouldn't go amiss." TV Licensing has acknowledged receipt of Mr Stuart's NLN submission.
