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MPs to vote on decriminalising non-payment of TV licence (24 March 2014)

Date: 24/03/2014
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, MPs to vote on decriminalising non-payment of TV licence

All three political parties will vote on Tuesday (25/03/14) on the decriminalisation of non-payment of a TV licence.

The move to decriminalise the offence of not paying for an annual TV licence is intended to free up the criminal courts and reclassify non-payment of a TV licence as a civil offence.

In 2012, around 3,500 people every week appeared in courtrooms across the UK charged with non-payment of a TV licence. The penalty for not paying for a TV licence is a fine and criminal record.

An amendment to the Deregulation Bill would withdraw any criminal sanctions for non-payment of a TV licence when the BBC’s charter is renewed in 2016. Proceeds from the TV licence go towards funding the BBC. The BBC receives around £3.5 billion annually in funding as a result of the TV licence and there are concerns decriminalisation of non-payment could result in loss of revenue for the corporation.

The amendment to the Deregulation Bill would also mean changes in the Communications Act 2003, so that those who fail to pay their TV licence would no longer be “guilty of an offence” but would be “liable to a civil penalty”.

Ministers will decide on the penalties non-payers of the TV licence could face and Culture Secretary Maria Miller will review any sanctions within three months of the Deregulation Bill being passed by Parliament.

Around 180,000 people appeared in court in 2012 as a result of failing to pay the £145.50 TV licence fee. The BBC says that some viewers are watching their favourite programmes for free on BBC iPlayer instead of watching them on TV.

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge, including charges for evading payment of a TV licence.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons – and the Duncan Lewis crime team is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

For expert advice on criminal law charges and representation contact Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For out-of-hours criminal law advice call the Duncan Lewis Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.


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