TV Licensing

TV Licensing has rung in the changes

From today (1 April 2009), TV Licensing has made it much easier for residents from Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man to pay for their TV Licence.

Island residents can now apply for a TV Licensing Payment Card, which allows people to spread the cost of their TV Licence and pay in weekly or fortnightly instalments, from as little as £5.50 per week.

People also have access to the new TV Licensing Savings Card - providing a safe, secure and flexible way to save towards the cost of a TV Licence. This electronic 'swipe and save' card replaces TV Licence savings stamps which are currently available at the Post Office.

Existing island stamp savers – or would-be new savers - can obtain their new, secure Savings Card from their local Post Office. Those already with stamps can transfer them to their card any time before 30 June 2009. After that, they will need to contact TV Licensing directly on 0300 790 6165. To find out more information on the new Savings Card scheme either pick up a leaflet from your local Post Office or call us on .

Residents over the age of 75 are still be eligible for a free licence. To apply for this, all you need to do is call us on 0300 790 6165 and TV Licensing will be able to talk you through what you need to do. Blind or severely sight impaired people can also obtain advice on their 50% concession by ringing 0300 790 6165.

All customers will benefit from new customer service arrangements which make contacting the call centre easier and more direct. For customer services please call 0300 790 6165.

Abigail Forbes, TV Licensing spokesperson said:

"We continue to work hard to make sure it’s as easy as possible for people to buy their TV Licence. These changes are good news for customers because they give them much more choice and flexibility. The new Payment Card and Savings Card offer great ways to pay and save towards the cost of a TV Licence.

As part of TV Licensing’s ongoing commitment to inform island residents on about the need to be properly licensed and to ensure everyone is aware of these changes and their benefits, TV Licensing has been in contact with a number of community and support groups to help them update their members should they need any advice."

TV Licensing aims to make it as easy as possible for people to buy a TV Licence which is why there are many different ways to pay in addition to the new savings card and cash payment plans. People can choose from a wide range of payment options, including via our website, by simply putting a cheque in the post, by phone using a debit or credit card, or by signing up to Direct Debit.

For further information on when you need a TV Licence and the ways to pay, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6165.

For more information please call the TV Licensing Press Office on 0207 544 3144.

Notes to Editors

On 1 April 2009, the cost of a colour TV Licence will rise by £3.00 to £142.50. The cost of a black and white licence will rise from £47.00 to £48.00. The level of the licence fee is set by Government.

If you use or install television equipment to receive or record television programmes as they are being broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid TV Licence. Viewing television without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 [£500 on Jersey].

Paying for a TV Licence:

There are many different ways to pay.

• Over-the-counter – people can pay at any of the island’s Post Offices
• Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit payment schemes are available and can be set up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/directdebit
• To find out more about paying in weekly instalments over the counter, online, by text message or over the phone using a payment card, call 0300 790 6165
• Online – people are now able to pay online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/payment-methods/ by Direct Debit or with a debit or credit card
• Debit or credit card over the phone - this facility accepts payment from a range of debit cards including Maestro, Delta and Connect
• By post – send a cheque made payable to TV Licensing to: TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL.

For more information about any of our payment options and concessions, to set up Direct Debit payments or to pay by debit or credit card please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info or call 0300 790 6165.