Over 500 do not pay tv licence fee

MORE than 530 people were caught watching television without a licence in Redditch last year.

The borough was one of the highest areas for licence evasion in the county. Only in Worcester were more people caught out where the figure was more than 680. In neighbouring Bromsgrove the figure was over 170.

Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing for the West Midlands, said despite the figures 95 per cent of houses remained correctly licensed.

"In order to be fair to the law-abiding majority who do pay for their licence, we’ll continue to pursue the small minority of people do not pay," he said.

"We do understand some people may find it difficult to pay in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost. Payment options include a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card or a monthly Direct Debit scheme, which can be set up very quickly online or over the phone."

A colour TV Licence currently costs £145.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording TV programmes as they are shown, whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment. Anyone watching TV illegally risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call call 0300 790 6112 for more information.

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