Is a regressive tax really the best way for us to pay for TV?

[NovaBritannia]

Originally Posted by kathyv

Here's my question. If you can receive streaming video of television shows on your computer in the UK, can you watch that for free or do you need to pay a licensing fee to watch, is it even available to watch?

Any live broadcast transmission is licensible - including content streamed from the internet or content originating from other countries.

It is available - the BBC streams content online, as do a number of other UK operators, and we get access to the overseas stuff too of course. None of the BBC stuff requires subscription to use, but using it without a licence is a criminal offence.

[kathyv]

So, does the TV license cover streaming video or do you need to pay another fee?

[Scottish_Republican]

Originally Posted by kathyv

So, does the TV license cover streaming video ...

Yes!!!

[NaRvIcK DeViL]

The future of the BBC

“This DEBATE has raged for years over whether the BBC should still be financed specifically by the licence fee that is paid by all those with television sets in their homes. Many households, after all, now watch and listen to little of its output but almost all pay £135.50 currently a year for the privilege.

“The BBC hates the idea of losing its licence fee. Rather than go commercial, its bosses plan to keep fighting for public financing for decades. What are the chances that the Government will decide that the BBC can fend for itself, taking all of its enforced public subsidy when the current charter runs out in 2016?

“The rapid shift to digital TV makes the debate especially pressing. Set-top boxes can tell whether a household has paid for a channel or not. Soon it will be practical and easy for everyone to choose whether or not to subscribe to the BBC.

“Towards the end of digital switch-over, which will happen between 2008 and 2012, the Government 'hopefully' for a change will examine other ways to finance the BBC after 2016.

The likeliest and Obvious way ,would be by :-

"voluntary subscription"

[NaRvIcK DeViL]

What is 'the Implied Right of Access’?

Under English Common Law there is an 'Implied Right Of Access' to your property.

This 'right' exist to protect genuine 'casual callers' i.e. postal workers, milkmen, delivery drivers etc: against an accusation of 'trespass'.

This is not an 'ABSOLUTE' right, and although not usual, this 'RIGHT' can quite easily be REMOVED."UNIMPLIED"

In the case, for example, of our wonderful TVLA visitors, should you write to them REMOVING this 'RIGHT' then after this they would be trespassing.

In British Law the offence of 'TRESPASS' is difficult to enforce, and even if convicted the punishment would be laughable.

How will this help us then?

By WIORA you will have a reason for shutting the door on TVLA and not appearing to look guilty.

Inform them that WIORA is in writing and that they are TRESPASSING, tell them you will call the police, and then close the door.

Follow this up by complaining first to TVLA, then to an Ombudsman.

WIROA should prevent 'window lickers', and 'letterbox sniffers', a peculiar set of deviants that masquerade as pseudo-officials.

If trespass continues, you will be able to apply to a COUNTY COURT, for an injunction to prevent the continued trespass, and if this order is broken someone could end up in prison for 'contempt of court', which is a VERY serious offence.

You should be granted the injunction because TVLA will have 'no evidence' to justify their offence (trespass). You may not be awarded cost that is the chance you take, however a County Court application costs? £180.00 to register and the forms are easy enough to fill out yourself.

[NovaBritannia]

Originally Posted by NaRvIcK DeViL

In British Law the offence of 'TRESPASS' is difficult to enforce, and even if convicted the punishment would be laughable.

You can't actually "convict" or "punish" anyone for trespass in the UK. It's a delict in Scotland, and the equivilent - a tort - in England.

You can sue them should they cause any damage to your interests during their trespass or, if it is likely to be repeated, you can request an interdict to prevent it happening.

WIROA should prevent 'window lickers'

As I recall from my schooldays, that particular term had a far less pleasant meaning than the one you are giving it.

If trespass continues, you will be able to apply to a COUNTY COURT, for an injunction to prevent the continued trespass, and if this order is broken someone could end up in prison for 'contempt of court', which is a VERY serious offence.

Really should've read down a bit before sounding my legal trumpet above... ach well.

[Scottish_Republican]

In some parts of the country they just shoot people. I remember being told that they load salt into the gun - you can get a sting on the backside with the stuff.

But there are reasons why we have such access laws - Scottish land is mostly in the hands of the few.