A letter (13 July) inaccurately stated that one in three cases brought to prosecute non-payers of the TV licence is thrown out. That is not the case. There is a 99% conviction rate for licence fee evasion cases determined by the courts in England and Wales, with the exception of those we withdraw.
Our inquiry officers focus their visits on unlicensed addresses in which occupants have ignored previous attempts from us to make contact to find out if a TV licence is needed. Inquiry officers are required to follow rules of conduct laid down for them. These are available on our website. They must prove their identity by showing an identity card, explain why they are visiting and conduct themselves professionally and courteously at all times.
TV Licensing will only prosecute when all other options have been exhausted. The majority of first-time offenders will be able to avoid prosecution if they buy a licence before their case comes to court. TV Licensing is also trialling a simple payment plan designed to support customers who may need a little more help paying their bills.
Suzy Vickers
TV Licensing
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