The BBC has issued an apology after sending out threatening letters to UK households warning of potential Christmas Day visits from TV Licence enforcement officers if their annual fee remained unpaid. The letters, which caused alarm among many recipients, stated that officers could visit on December 25th or another day and that those caught watching BBC content illegally could face prosecution and fines of up to £1,000. The BBC has since clarified that there will be no visits on Christmas Day and that the letters were sent in error.
The BBC has retreated from a warning it issued to UK households, in a letter implying that on Christmas Day, TV Licence enforcement officers might knock on doors if the annual fee remains unpaid. Every UK residence that wishes to watch live television or utilize BBC iPlayer must fork out an eye-watering £169.50 per year for a TV Licence.
The festive cheer of many was soured this December after they were warned via an intimidating letter of potential visits from officers if the licence had not been settled. With the ominous heading "Will you be in on 25th December? ", the letter stated: "As there's no record of a TV Licence at your address, you should expect a visit from an enforcement officer."
Moreover, it highlighted the risk of substantial financial penalties, noting: "You may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and / or compensation." A TV Licensing spokesperson has apologised for the error, stating: "These letters were sent in error and we apologise to anyone who received one." They added: "There will be no visits on Christmas Day."
BBC TV Licence Christmas Enforcement Apology
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