TV licence evasion second highest in London (From Enfield Independent)

TV licence evasion second highest in London

11:18am Wednesday 5th August 2009

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ENFIELD has the second highest rate for television licence evasion in London this year.

During the first six months of 2009 1,670 were caught watching TV without a licence.

Top of the list was Newham, which has had 1,960 licence evaders so far this year.

The London borough with the fewest caught licence evaders was Tower Hamlets, at 903.

The figures released today by TV Licensing revealed more than 19,200 people were caught watching TV without a licence in London during the first six months of 2009.

Joanna Pearce TV Licensing spokeswoman 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."

The authority has said it is a rising trend. Across the UK, approximately 5,000 more licence fee evaders were caught in the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

But the vast majority of people pay up.

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

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.

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