103 youngsters caught without a television licence

The 103 people, who were between the ages of 18 and 25, join more than 26,000 young people in total who have been caught watching live TV without a TV Licence in the past year, according to the figures released today by TV Licensing.

The figures relate to people caught between September 2014 and August this year.

Accrington saw 63 people caught and Rossendale 16 people.

TV Licensing is reminding young people that they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live TV, on any device, without a TV Licence.

Students living in halls of residence and using a device to watch or record TV in their own room, need their own separate TV Licence

Recent research by TV Licensing shows 29% think TV Licensing can’t catch people watching live TV on a computer, laptop or mobile device and just over half believe that people in general are unlikely to be caught if they watch live TV without a TV Licence.

Matthew Thompson, spokesperson for TV Licensing North said: “Every year myths circulate about when you do and don’t need a licence.

“We want to make sure everyone knows one is needed by law to watch or record live TV, on any device including a laptop, tablet, mobile phone or games console.

“A TV Licence costs on average £12.13 a month.

“To avoid the risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, we encourage students to check if they need a licence on our website – www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo – or by calling 0300 790 6113.”

When asked, two in three students had a positive opinion of the BBC and 67% thought the TV Licence offered value for money.