TV Licensing today revealed more than 500 people were caught watching TV without a licence during a recent visiting campaign on the Island.
During the summer, TV Licensing officers visited unlicensed addresses on the island, to enquire about whether a licence was needed at the home or business. TV Licensing also made contact with local money advice organisations and community groups to help to raise awareness amongst island residents of when a licence is needed and the different ways to pay.
Those found without a licence are liable for prosecution and a maximum fine of up to ?1,000.
Claire Wotherspoon, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:
“Today’s figures show that while the vast majority of people on the Isle of Man are correctly licensed, a minority of people still try to evade paying for a TV Licence. It’s only fair to the honest majority of licence fee payers that we take action to seek out and prosecute those who are not correctly licensed.
“We do understand some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card and monthly Direct Debit scheme, which can all be set up very quickly online or over the phone.”
Anyone who watches or records TV programmes as they are being shown on TV needs to be licensed. This includes watching on TVs, computers, mobile phones, tablets, games consoles, digital boxes and DVD/VHS recorders.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
