Since broadcasting was introduced into the British Isles there has always been a licence fee. You must hold a licence to be able to use t.v. equipment , ownership is not the question.

Nor is it a question of whether you only use the equipment to watch videos or such and never watch what the BBC put out. Technically you need a licence to operate a radio receiver, but as that's included with the t.v. licence, most people don't even realise it.

I didn't mind so much when it was only a civil offence not to have a licence, but I do object that they made it a criminal offence a few years ago. You now face a very large fine or a custodial sentence. Bit much, I think.

If the licence people refuse to confirm whether or not you have t.v. equipment you can sue them for harrassment. It's exactly the same as the police threatening to arrest someone and refusing to place a charge that can be defended.

If you make a complaint directly to the BBC and the broadcastng watchdogs, do it in writing. Phone calls will be logged as 'enquiries'. It also means you have written evidence of your attempt to clarify the situation, which you can use for you harrassment case.

It took my brother a good couple of years to sort his lack of t.v. out with the licence people. But they do tend to take notice when you start talking court appearences. You do have to go through the motions of complaing etc. first though.

I hope this has helped.

TTFN Lady P.