BBC issues major update over TV Licensing 'prosecutions'
The BBC has issued a major update over the TV Licensing prosecutions which have sparked so much controversy. The Beeb could axe prosecutions for households and viewers who haven't paid for a TV Licence, it has emerged today (Sunday September 29).
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are said to have concerns about the system where people can be prosecuted for failing to pay the TV licence. People can be fined up to £1000 for dodging payment, and face the threat of prison if they fail to pay up.
A BBC TV Licensing spokesman said: “We have a duty to enforce the law when there is evidence that someone has avoided paying for a TV licence. What we have done is made considerable efforts to help people get licensed and offer help and support.
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"So, while we take appropriate action where necessary, we work hard to support those most in need, offering a number of concessions and payment plans to ensure people can obtain a licence in the way that suits them best. Our focus on collecting the licence fee fairly and efficiently ensures that the overwhelming majority of households are correctly licensed."
Penelope Gibbs is director of Transform Justice, and said previously: “It’s ludicrous. They don’t even know if the person received the prosecution notice, it’s not even sent via registered post. They don’t know if that person has mental health problems, doesn’t speak English as a first language, whether they are homeless.
"They don’t know any of those things.” Dennis Reed is director of Silver Voices, a non-profit campaign group for the over-60s, and said: "We had lengthy negotiations with the BBC director-general and his top team. So far, no success.”
“What would that look like, if they took an 85-year-old with dementia to court?”, he asked. He went on to say earlier this year: “If they’ve brought in an unofficial amnesty, without asking who else is struggling, how ethical is that?”