197 Kidderminster TV licence dodgers caught (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

197 Kidderminster TV licence dodgers caught

7:40am Wednesday 5th August 2009 in Local

ALMOST 200 people in Kidderminster were caught watching television without a licence during the first half of this year.

TV Licensing today revealed that more than 214,000 people were caught watching without a licence across the UK during the period. That included 197 in Kidderminster.

Across the UK, about 5,000 more licence fee evaders were caught in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

The average evasion rate is currently just over five per cent, meaning almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.

In the period 2008/2009, TV Licence collection costs fell to 3.4 per cent of total income collected from 3.6 per cent the previous year.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said: “These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally and therefore penalise the honest majority who do pay.

“While evaders come from all income groups, we understand that in the current economic climate some people may find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go. This is why we provide numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online, and a weekly cash payment plan.”

A colour TV Licence currently costs £142.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are broadcast on a TV set, computer or any other equipment.

Anyone not holding a TV Licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Further information on how and where to pay the Licence Fee can be found at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.