TV Licence Remedy

Licence purpose

The purpose of the TV licence is not to allow you to own TV equipment, but to have “permission” from the BBC to receive a live broadcast on the TV equipment.

Note: this licence is only required for British Citizens registered with the UK Corporation.

TV licence inspectors

TV Licensing officers can investigate TV licence legislation compliance, but they do not have the automatic right to enter your home.

They can visit your property to assess whether a TV licence is needed and to gather information; however, they have no right to open doors, windows or to even look through windows.

If you open the door, they can ask to come inside your home, but you are not obligated to let them in.

They must have a court-issued search warrant to gain legal entry.

If you are asked to provide information, you are not obligated to respond as you can decline. However, refusing entry or obstructing a warrant could lead to a violation of policy, which may lead to legal action being taken against you.

Know if you have a TV: They cannot, by themselves, determine if you have a TV, what channels you watch, or if you are watching live TV. The onus is on them to prove you are violating policy.

Finding this information without your permission or a court order would be a violation of your rights and a violation of GDPR protocols.

Whereby, you would have the right to sue the TV licence inspector for violation of privacy.

Licenced Inspectors

TV licence inspectors are not “licensed” in the same way as other government agencies might be, but they are authorised to act as “visiting officers” by the BBC, who is responsible for television licensing within the UK Corporation.

These officers must carry an official identification card with a photo, job role, and a unique number for verification and receive equality training.

Upon request, the TV licence inspector must supply you with a phone number to verify his Identification Card.

However, you must confirm whether the number is to the BBC or just a private corporation; if the number is not connected with the BBC, then you will be unable to verify the TV inspector is authorised to check for TV licences by the BBC.

Verify with TV Licensing: To correctly verify the ID card you can call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071 to confirm the visiting officer's details.

Devices

A TV Licence inspector is only allowed to physically check your TV and TV recording equipment, not any computers, tablets, game consoles or mobile phones; however, they will take note if any computers are attached to a live TV feed such as a TV aerial.

Set-Top boxes

When the TV licence was introduced in June 1946 it was referring to receiving radio waves broadcast by the BBC.

Today, most people use other methods of receiving media, such as Sky Box, Virgin Media, Apple TV, Freesat and Amazon Fire stick.

Although, owning a Set-Top box does not require a licence, if the box provides access to live TV channels, and therefore, by watching those live channels triggers the need for a TV Licence at your home address.

It would be prudent to return or dispose of any Set-Top box until the media corporations offers the ability to remove all BBC channels, apps and content, by the user.

BBC iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer app cannot be removed from some Smart TVs and on-demand devices, and therefore, cannot be used as a reason to have a TV licence.

The presence of this app does not, of itself, constitute an offence, so long as it has not been primed with an active online BBC iPlayer account in preparation for viewing.

Right of Access Revoked

Many people no longer watch any BBC content and serve notice on the British Broadcasting Corporation that there is no legal right for any inspector to visit their property.

A notice is sent that removes the BBC’s perceived or implied right of access, which has now been revoked, and if violated, then litigation shall begin against the inspector and the BBC.

This is a legally effective solution in lawfully preventing routine visits; however, do not think that sending a notice will stop all visits as sometimes TV Licence Inspectors simply disregard it.

If you have a sign on your door that stipulates “no cold callers” displaying the fee, you now have grounds to serve the BBC with your costs to the unauthorised visit.

TV Inspector Visit

If an inspector should knock at your door, although you are not obligated to answer your door to any unsolicited visit, there are a series of questions you can put to the inspector if you choose to do so.

Below are a series of questions you can ask and the reason why:

1. Who are you?

Never assume the identity of someone and never begin a conversation until their identity has been confirmed.

2. Do you have proof in the form of an ID card displaying your full name?

Asking this question negates any assumption on your part and puts burden of proof on the visitor.
If they supply information that is deficient, i.e. not a full name, then you can end the conversation there.
If they supply information that is found to be incorrect, they could be prosecuted for fraud.

3. Are you registered on a database so I can check and verify your ID card?

Although there is a database where TV inspectors are registered, it cannot be access through the internet as it is private.
The database is with the TV licensing agency and can be accessed through a phone call.
If the alleged TV inspector offers you a phone number to verify their I.D. make sure it is the correct one.

4. Are you making a claim I need a TV licence?

Never give statements or claims that you do not need a licence as this puts you in a weak position to verify your claim.
Always ask the visitor to state their claim so you can pressure them to verify it.
If they answer “yes” you do need a licence, they must now prove it.
If they answer “no” then close the door.
If they will not answer this question, ask three times and if they still refuse, close the door.

5. If I only watch streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or Amazon Prime are you making a claim I need a TV licence?

If they say “yes” this is not entirely true, so get them to prove it.
You are beginning to set them up to fail as they must now prove that you were using these services to watch live BBC content.

6. If so, do you have on your person the correct documentation that obligates me to purchase a TV licence to view non BBC related live content?

The only way to be obligated is through a pre-determined agreement signed by you.
Technically, you are only obligated to purchase a TV licence when using these services for watching live BBC content; however, you were not given full disclosure.
If the TV inspector says “yes” to this question, you have now trapped him in a lie, as you do not require a licence for non BBC live content.
If they have not brought any documents sign by you with them, then their claim cannot be verified and you can either shut the door or demand they produce the document.
Until the document you signed is produced, any and all rights for the inspector to re-visit your home at a later date, has now been revoked.

7. Are you making a claim that you have attained proof that I watch and record live BBC content or use BBC iPlayer on any device such as a TV, computer, phone, tablet, games console or any other device?

You are now continuing to place the TV inspector in a position where they may incriminate themselves.
The inspector cannot continue with their visit if you have not offered any information, or they have not got any proof that backs their claim.
If the inspector claims they have obtained proof they have placed themselves into a position where they have proof and therefore must provide it.

8. If you are claiming you have the proof, what method was used to gain access to any of my private devices.

You are asking this to ascertain how they have gained proof, whereby, you will know if the proof was obtained legally or not.

9. I require to see the nature of your alleged proof.

Before you can make a counter claim of them illegally obtaining their proof, they must first supply you with evidence to support your claim against them.

10. I require the documentation, signed by me, that allows you to view, check or access any of my private devices.

Once they provide their evidence, you now ask them to provide the authority and permission that allowed them to collect the alleged evidence.
If they do not have a court order, then they had no authority or permission to collect any evidence.
You also know that you did not grant them authority to do so either.

11. Are you aware that obtaining any data relating to my private devices would not only violate my personal rights, but also GDPR protocols and legislation, whereby you may be liable for and obligated to pay me damages?

If the TV inspector should be using any form of electronic device to record evidence, it would be advantageous to ask if the device is privately owned or by the BBC.
If it is privately owned and the device has any of your data on it, then the TV inspector, acting as agent for the BBC, has violated GDPR protocols.
Now that you have gained your evidence you can give your statement and close the interaction.

12. As this is your first visit, I decline your offer to purchase your licence. However, your perceived right of access to my property has hereby been revoked, which not only extends to you, but all other employees and agents connected with the BBC.

You never refuse to pay the TV licence as this means you agree to pay it, but have now refused, which will cause the inspector to escalate the visit to a legal case against you.
You decline the offer to a licence as the TV inspector has not been able to provide you with the obligation to purchase one.
Furthermore, you have now revoked their perceived right to make any further visits.

13. Violation of this shall be seen as trespass, whereby, this recording shall be used as evidence to begin litigation against said employee or agent and the BBC for damages.

You are verbally serving notice on the TV inspector that the recording you have made will become evidence against them.
Furthermore, the evidence shall be used to litigate against them for financial damages.
If you have a sign on your front door with a fee clearly displayed, the BBC is now liable to cover this cost so you can send them your invoice.

14. Close the door.

Once you have gathered all your evidence via the recording, which you did through the Sovereign Project app, you now have all the information and evidence you need to begin your litigation claim for damages against the TV inspector and the BBC.

Note: there is a database that TV licence inspectors are registered to, but it cannot be accessed via the internet, you have to phone the TV Licencing agency.

Note: this is not a legal advice, nor guarantee; each and every user must be responsible for their own actions.

The sovereign project app is a tool for the use of sovereign men and women only, and should not be used by slave minded plebeians.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES AND LEGISLATION

Official legislation and guidelines with links:

1) Communications Act 2003 — TV-licensing offences and search-warrant powers

• What to quote

o Section 363 — “A television receiver must not be installed or used unless the installation and use of the receiver is authorised by a licence under this Part.” This is the “basic offence” or “licence requirement”.

o Section 366 — gives the statutory basis for search warrants to investigate suspected unlicensed use and includes the offence of obstructing someone executing the warrant.

• Where to link

o Legislation.gov.uk: Communications Act 2003, s.363 and s.366.

• Why it matters / plain English

o The legal power to require a TV licence and the power to apply for a warrant come from this Act. That means: TV Licensing officers (or their contractors) do not have automatic power to force entry — they must apply for a magistrate’s (or sheriff’s) warrant if they want to enter premises without consent. Warrant execution is (by practice) accompanied by police and is used only where there are reasonable grounds. Until a warrant is produced, an occupier can decline entry (closing the door).

2) TV Licensing (BBC) / TV Licensing information pages (practical policy)

• What to quote

o TV Licensing’s own pages describing why they visit, their visit policy, and their published policy on when they apply for search warrants (they say warrants are a last resort). These pages explain how visits are triggered and what an officer will say/do.

• Why it matters / plain English

o Use these to explain what to expect from doorstep visits (letters precede visits, visits are to check if a licence is needed, warrants are a last resort). It supports the practical advice “they may ask to come in but they have no automatic right to enter — only a warrant does.”

3) UK GDPR — individual rights (right of access, right to be informed, lawful basis)

• What to quote

o Article 15 (Right of access) — lists the right to confirmation whether controller processes your personal data and to access the personal data and certain information.

o Article 6 (Lawful basis) — explains lawful bases for processing personal data (relevant when describing on what basis TV Licensing processes personal data).

• Regulator guidance

o ICO: Right of access (subject access requests) — practical guidance on how to make a SAR, timescales, exceptions and what controllers must supply.

• Why it matters / plain English

o If TV Licensing holds personal data about you (e.g. records of visits, letters, recordings of calls, database entries), you have the right to ask what they hold and get a copy (SAR). The SAR route is how someone can force disclosure of what the controller (BBC/Capita/contractor) holds about visits and decisions. Use ICO guidance for the wording and timescales to put in the app.

4) Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) — exemptions and law-enforcement processing

• What to quote

o DPA 2018 (Part 2 / Part 3 and associated Schedules) — Part 2 implements UK GDPR; Part 3 covers law-enforcement processing (a different regime for competent “authorities”). The Act also contains schedules with exemptions where rights such as SARs may be partially restricted. Full Act: legislation.gov.uk.

o ICO guidance / “A guide to the data protection exemptions” — explains how Schedule exemptions operate and when rights (like access) may be limited.

• Why it matters / plain English

o Most interactions with TV Licensing will be processed under the general data protection rules; UK GDPR. However, some law-enforcement related processing. For example where the purpose is “criminal” investigation/prosecution could fall under Part 3 (the law-enforcement regime) or attract exemptions, which can affect what information the controller must disclose. The ICO guidance explains when and how the rights can be limited.

5) Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR) and ICO guidance on direct/regulatory communications

• What to quote

o PECR (the Regulations implementing e-privacy rules in the UK) — these sit alongside the DPA/UK GDPR and regulate unsolicited communications (calls, letters, emails, texts) and use of cookies. Legislation and ICO guides available.

o ICO guidance (Direct marketing and regulatory communications) — explains when a regulator’s contact might nonetheless be “direct marketing” and what protections apply.

• Why it matters / plain English

o If TV Licensing sends letters/phone calls, PECR and ICO guidance tell you when those communications cross the line into direct marketing (and the standards they must meet). This is useful to challenge threatening or misleading letters or pushy calls — particularly if wording is aggressive or misrepresents the legal position. Quote the ICO guidance to explain when a letter might be improperly aggressive or misleading.

6) Consumer Rights Act 2015 / unfair terms guidance

• What to quote

o Consumer Rights Act 2015 (Part 2 on unfair contract terms) and CMA / government guidance on unfair terms and transparency.

• Why it matters / plain English

o If your remedy includes contractual language (app terms, consent checkboxes, or advice about what counts as accepting a licence), use the CRA guidance to check that warnings, notices or supposed “terms” aren’t unfair or misleading. Also useful when analysing TV Licensing’s letters/terms for unfair or unclear statements.

Practical bite-size points

1.“Do I have to let them in?”

o No — not without a warrant. TV Licensing officers have no general statutory right of entry. They can only enter without consent if they have a search warrant issued under the Communications Act 2003 (s.366); warrants are typically executed with police. Quote: Communications Act 2003, s.363 and s.366.

2. “What if they keep knocking?”

o You may close the door and not answer. The officer may record the visit on their system; that record is personal data about you and the visit — you can use a subject access request (SAR) under the UK GDPR to see what they hold (Article 15 + ICO SAR guidance). Use ICO SAR wording to request records of visits, notes, and any evidence they say they have.

3. “They are threatening me in letters — can I challenge that?”

o Yes: check ICO guidance on direct/regulatory communications and PECR. If the tone or content is misleading or amounts to improper pressure, you can complain to the BBC/TV Licensing and — if unresolved — to the ICO (and cite the PECR / ICO direct marketing guidance).

4.“If I want what they have recorded, how do I ask?”

o Use a Subject Access Request (SAR). ICO guidance shows what to ask for such as copies of personal data, categories of data, sources, retention periods, and any sharing. If SAR is refused or redacted, ICO guidance will tell you when exemptions apply (DPA 2018 schedules / Part 3).

Recommended exact quotes / citations to use

• Communications Act 2003 — warrant powers: Section 366 (powers for search warrants to investigate suspected unlicensed TV reception; obstruction of a person exercising a warrant is an offence). (legislation.gov.uk).

• Right to access your data (SAR): Article 15 UK GDPR (Right of access) and ICO SAR guidance — explains what you can request and timescales.

• Exemptions / law-enforcement processing: Data Protection Act 2018 (Part 2/Part 3 and Schedules) — explains exemptions from certain GDPR rights and the separate law-enforcement processing regime. See ICO guide to DPA exemptions.

• PECR & direct/regulatory communications: ICO guidance on direct marketing and regulatory communications (useful when challenging letters/calls).

SCRIPT WITH LEGISLATION

TV Officer

Licensing officers (typically contractors, e.g., from Capita) visit properties to verify compliance with the requirement to hold a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer (as per Communications Act 2003, s.363). They have no automatic right to enter your home without consent or a warrant, and you can decline entry or engagement. Your rights include privacy, freedom from trespass, and data protection.

Script with legislation and Legal Rights

1. Who are you? Do you have proof in the form of an ID card displaying your full name?"

Legal Basis and Rights: You have the right to verify the identity of anyone claiming authority at your door to protect against fraud or impersonation. TV Licensing officers are required to carry identification (typically an ID card with name, photo, and employer details) as part of their contract with the BBC. This aligns with general principles of transparency under “common law” and consumer protection.
Legislation: No specific statute mandates ID display, but the Communications Act 2003, s.366 governs enforcement officers’ conduct, implying they must act lawfully and transparently. The Fraud Act 2006, s.2 (fraud by false representation) could apply if someone falsely claims to be an officer, supporting your right to verify identity.
Assessment: This is a reasonable request. Officers should provide ID, and you can ask for their name and employer (e.g., Capita). Refusal to show ID could undermine their legitimacy, and you could report this to TV Licensing or police.

2."Are you registered on a database I can check and verify your ID card?"

Legal Basis and Rights: There is no public database for verifying TV Licensing officers’ IDs in real time, however, you can contact TV Licensing (e.g., via their official number, 0300 790 6117) to confirm an officer’s identity. Your right to verify is in line with “common law” principles of reasonable precaution against fraud.
Legislation: None directly applies, but the Data Protection Act 2018, s.45 (right to information about personal data processing) could support requesting details about the officer’s employer if they process your data (e.g., recording your name/address).
Assessment: This question is designed to incriminate the cold caller, as although no such database exists via the internet, a phone call can be made to verify who they are.

3."Are you making a claim I need a TV licence?"

Legal Basis and Rights: Officers visit to check if you need a licence under Communications Act 2003, s.363(1), which requires a TV Licence for watching/recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer. They may ask questions to assess your status (e.g., “Do you watch live TV?”). You are not obligated to answer, as you have a right to silence which is also reinforced by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code C for non-arrest situations. However, refusing to engage may lead to further visits for a “no licence needed” declaration request.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.363(2) makes it an “offence” to use a TV receiver without a licence, and officers aim to establish if this applies. Section 366 allows them to seek evidence (e.g., via questioning) but does not compel you to respond.
Assessment: This question is valid to clarify the officer’s purpose. It puts the burden on them to justify their inquiry. You can decline to answer without legal consequence, but be aware they may note this as “non-cooperation,” potentially triggering further checks.

4."If I only watch streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or Amazon Prime, are you making a claim I need a TV licence?"

Legal Basis and Rights: Watching non-live, non-BBC content (e.g., on-demand Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, or Amazon Prime) does not require a TV Licence, per Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004, Reg. 9 (defining licensable activities). Only live TV or BBC iPlayer use triggers the requirement (Communications Act 2003, s.363(1)). You can highlight you do not need a licence if this is true, and TV Licensing must respect this unless they have evidence otherwise.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.363(1) specifies the offence applies to “installing or using” a TV receiver for live broadcasts or iPlayer. Regulations 2004, Sch. 5 clarifies exemptions for non-licensable use. You are protected from harassment under Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.1 if officers persistently visit without evidence.
Assessment: This is a strong point, as it forces the officer to confirm whether they are alleging licensable activity. If you only use non-live streaming, you can assert no licence is needed and request they update their records. Be cautious, as admitting to any live TV or iPlayer use could be used as evidence.

5."If so, do you have on your person the correct documentation that obligates me to purchase a TV licence to view non-BBC related live content?"

Legal Basis and Rights: Although it is implied that watching non-BBC live TV such as ITV, Sky, or live YouTube streams, requires a TV Licence under Communications Act 2003, s.363(1), this is legally not enforceable within commerce, as the licence only funds the BBC and does not fund ITV, Sky or YouTube. Therefore officers do not carry any documentation proving this, as there is none.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.363(1) and Regulations 2004, Reg. 5 define “television receiver” and licensable activities broadly, which generally covers “all live” TV broadcasts via radio waves. Section 366 allows officers to gather evidence only; however, they should be fully conversed with all legislation, as it applies to them and not you.
Assessment: This question is designed to trap the TV licence officer by making them force an obligation upon you by misunderstanding the legislation. If they assume that you have conducted a “licensable activity” then they must prove it.

6."Are you making a claim that you have attained proof that I watch and record live BBC content or use BBC iPlayer on any device such as a TV, computer, phone, tablet, games console or any other device?"

Legal Basis and Rights: Officers must have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence under Communications Act 2003, s.363(2) to pursue enforcement (e.g., prosecution). Evidence could include admissions, visible TV use, or “detector van” data (though rarely used). You can demand to know what evidence they have, as you are entitled to fairness and transparency in enforcement which is supported by “common law” and Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 6 – right to a fair trial.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366 allows officers to seek evidence, but Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.24 limits their powers as they are not police, so no arrest powers. Data Protection Act 2018, s.94 protects against unlawful data collection if they claim device access.
Assessment: This is a strong question, as it forces the officer to disclose their evidence or admit they lack it. You are not obligated to assist their investigation, and declining to answer protects your rights. If they claim evidence, you can challenge its validity.

7."If you are claiming you have the proof, what method was used to gain access to my private devices?"

Legal Basis and Rights: TV Licensing officers have no right to access private devices (e.g., phones, computers) without consent or a warrant under Communications Act 2003, s.366(1). Any unauthorised access could breach Data Protection Act 2018, s.170 (unlawful obtaining of personal data) or Computer Misuse Act 1990, s.1 (unauthorised access to computer material). You are protected by privacy rights under Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8 (right to private life).
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366 requires a magistrate’s warrant for entry/search, and Data Protection Act 2018, s.45 gives you the right to know how your data was obtained. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, s.1 could apply if they intercept communications (e.g., Wi-Fi monitoring) without authority.
Assessment: This is a valid and powerful question. Officers are unlikely to have accessed devices legally without a warrant, and any claim of doing so should be challenged. Demand specifics, as vague answers suggest no evidence. This protects your privacy rights effectively.

8."I require to see the nature of your alleged proof."

Legal Basis and Rights: You are entitled to know the basis of any accusation made against you, per Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 6(3)(a) (right to be informed of the nature of an accusation). Although legislation does not require officers to show evidence at your door, only to have reasonable grounds for suspicion under Communications Act 2003, s.366, it is your right to ask for it, furthermore if they proceed to prosecution, evidence must be disclosed in court, per Criminal Procedure Rules 2020.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.363(2) requires proof of unlicensed use for conviction, and s.366 governs evidence collection. Data Protection Act 2018, s.45 supports your right to know if they hold data about you.
Assessment: This demand is legally sound but may not yield immediate results, as officers may defer evidence until court. However assert your right to transparency and evidence in a follow up written notice after the visit.

9."I require the documentation, signed by me, that allows you to view, check or access any of my private devices."

Legal Basis and Rights: Officers cannot access your devices without consent or a warrant (Communications Act 2003, s.366). No “signed documentation” is typically involved unless you explicitly consented within a previous visit. Your privacy is protected under Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8 and Data Protection Act 2018, s.170. You can demand proof of any claimed consent.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366(1) requires a warrant for invasive searches. Data Protection Act 2018, s.47 mandates lawful processing of personal data, requiring explicit consent or legal authority.
Assessment: This is a strong point; as it is highly unlikely officers have such documentation. It reinforces your privacy rights and challenges any unauthorised data claims. However, the specific demand for “signed” documents may be too narrow, as consent could be implied verbally depending on what you have already said, therefore broaden your request and ask for any proof of consent.

10."Are you aware that obtaining any data relating to my private devices would not only violate my personal rights, but also GDPR protocols and legislation, whereby, you may be liable for and obligated to pay me damages?"

Legal Basis and Rights: Unlawful data collection (e.g., scanning devices without consent) could breach Data Protection Act 2018, s.170 and UK GDPR, Art. 5 (principles of lawful processing). You have a right to compensation for distress or harm under UK GDPR, Art. 82 if data is processed unlawfully. Privacy violations could also breach Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8.
Legislation: Data Protection Act 2018, s.167 allows complaints to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and s.169 permits claims for damages. UK GDPR, Art. 15 gives you the right to know what data is held about you. Communications Act 2003, s.366 limits officers’ powers without a warrant.
Assessment: This is a valid point, as unauthorised data access is illegal, and you can pursue damages via the ICO or courts. The forewarning of “liability” revokes any assumption the officer may have, resulting in any further action being made against you as intentional, which strengths your case against them, as they were warned but chose to continue.

11."As this is your first visit, I decline your offer to purchase your licence. However, your perceived right of access to my property has been revoked, which not only extends to you, but all other employees and agents connected with the BBC."

Legal Basis and Rights: You have the right to refuse entry to your property (“common law” property rights and Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8). TV Licensing officers have no automatic right of entry without a warrant (Communications Act 2003, s.366). You can revoke implied access such as knock on your door, by clear notice, and further visits could constitute trespass under Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977 or “common law”. Declining to buy a licence is your right if you do not engage in licensable activities.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366(1) restricts entry without consent or warrant. Protection via the Harassment Act 1997, s.1 could apply if repeated visits cause distress after revocation. Land Registration Act 2002 (for homeowners) supports your control over property access.
Assessment: Revoking access is legally sound and effective, especially if documented. For example: via written notice to TV Licensing. It is not your obligation to contact any and all agents regarding the revocation, as this is the responsibility of the BBC. The phrase “decline your offer” may appear inaccurate, as the licence is considered a “legal requirement”, however, to be obligated by a legal requirement literally requires acceptance of contract, which is the original offer to watch live BBC TV/iPlayer.

12."Violation of this shall be seen as trespass, whereby, this recording shall be used as evidence to begin litigation against said employee or agent and the BBC for damages."

Legal Basis and Rights: Unauthorised entry after revoked access constitutes trespass (“common law” and Torts (Interference with Goods Act 1977). You can record interactions on your property for evidence, as there is no expectation of privacy for officers at your door (per Data Protection Act 2018, s.36 – domestic processing exemption). You can pursue damages for trespass via small claims or civil courts, though proving “significant harm” can be challenging so go for breach of contract, and have notice on your front door stating your fee.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366 limits officers’ entry rights. Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s.3 allows civil claims for harassment if visits persist. UK GDPR, Art. 80 supports data-related claims if recordings reveal misuse.
Assessment: This is not a threat but a forewarning of litigation, which is legally valid, however trespass claims require clear evidence of unauthorised entry and harm. Therefore recording the interaction is wise and lawful (notify the officer for transparency, though not strictly required). Send a written notice to TV Licensing to formalise the revocation for stronger legal standing.

13."Close the door."

Legal Basis and Rights: You can end the interaction at any time, as you are not obligated to engage with officers (“common law” right to silence and Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8). Closing the door asserts your property rights and prevents further questioning.
Legislation: Communications Act 2003, s.366 confirms officers cannot force entry without a warrant. Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Code C supports your right to avoid self-incrimination in non-arrest scenarios.
Assessment: This is a practical and legal way to end the visit. It is non-confrontational and reinforces your control over your property. Ensure you have recorded or noted the interaction for future reference.

Overall function of the Script

The script is designed to assert your rights in a confident manner, focusing on privacy, property, and data protection, and is largely grounded in valid legal principles, particularly around refusing entry (Communications Act 2003, s.366), protecting personal data (Data Protection Act 2018), and preventing trespass.

Note: The script assumes officers will engage in a detailed debate with you; however they are trained to avoid confrontation and to incriminate themselves, and therefore may simply leave if you decline to cooperate with their questioning.

Your intent using the script is to peacefully exercise your rights in a polite manner.

Exercising your rights during a TV Licensing visit:

Verify Identity: Politely ask for ID and note details (name, employer). Contact TV Licensing to confirm if suspicious (Fraud Act 2006).
Clarify Purpose: Ask if they are alleging you need a licence and what evidence they have (Communications Act 2003, s.363). If you wish you can state you do not watch live TV/iPlayer if true (Regulations 2004, Reg. 9).
Refuse Entry: Clearly state you do not consent to entry or device checks (Communications Act 2003, s.366; Human Rights Act 1998, Art. 8).
Protect Data: Challenge any claim of device access and request data processing details (Data Protection Act 2018, s.45; UK GDPR, Art. 15).
Revoke Access: Inform them verbally and in writing (to TV Licensing) that future visits are unauthorised to establish trespass claims (Torts Act 1977).
Record Interaction: Use audio/video (inform the officer) for evidence, especially if alleging harassment or trespass (Protection from Harassment Act 1997).

Additional info

Follow up with a written notice to TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL revoking access after the visit.

If issues persist, contact the ICO for data concerns or seek legal advice for harassment/trespass claims.

For further details, check www.legislation.gov.uk or www.tvl.co.uk.

If you are prosecuted, demand full disclosure of evidence under Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 and consider a counter claim.

File:TV script for the App.docx

Get the app at https://www.thesovereignproject.live/sovereign-app