TV licence evasion on the increase

By hfinch hannah finch hfinch@heraldexpress.co.uk

MORE people in the Bay are watching TV without a licence.

Figures released today show that 315 households in Torquay have evaded the licence so far this year — a 26 per cent increase on last year's figures.

Torquay has some of the worst figures in the South West.

At the top is Bristol with 2,419, Plymouth is second with 1,035 and Exeter is fifth with 364.

Warren Carr, TV Licensing spokesman for the South West, said: "Evaders come from all income groups, but 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.

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

The average evasion rate is more than five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.