An information and enforcement campaign is to take place on the Isle of Man over the coming weeks, TV Licensing announced today. 

The campaign aims to raise awareness among Island residents of when a TV Licence is needed and the wide range of ways to pay.

TV Licensing will be working with community groups and public service organisations on the Island to provide useful information about when a licence is needed and the many payment methods available. 

The next phase of the campaign will see officers visiting unlicensed properties on the Island to check whether a TV Licence is needed.

Last year more than 500 Island residents were found watching live TV without a valid licence.  Evaders risk prosecution and a fine of up to ?1,000, so it’s important TV viewers understand licensing requirements.

Anyone who watches or records TV programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV needs a TV Licence, no matter what device they are using. 

Claire Wotherspoon, spokesperson for TV Licensing said: “We’ll be on the Island over the coming weeks, making contact with unlicensed addresses to find out whether they need a TV Licence. If residents are unsure whether they need a licence, or concerned they would struggle to pay, they can contact us for advice.”

A colour TV Licence costs ?145.50 and can be bought over the counter at the Post Office, online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info or by phone. As some people struggle to pay for a licence in one go, there many ways to spread the cost, including weekly, fortnightly or monthly cash payment plans and direct debit options, which can be set up quickly and easily online.

More information about paying in cash instalments is available by calling 0300 790 6078. For payment options and concessions, to set up Direct Debit payments or to pay by debit or credit card, residents can call 0300 790 6112 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/payinfo.