TV Licensing today revealed that more than 214,000 people were caught watching TV without a licence across the UK during the first six months of 2009.
This included more than 10,300 people in Northern Ireland.
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. The average evasion rate is currently just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.
Additionally in the period 2008/2009 TV Licence collection costs fell to 3.4 percent of total income collected from 3.6 per cent the previous year.
The areas where the most TV Licence evaders were caught in Northern Ireland were:
Area Evaders caught
Jan – June 2009
Belfast 3,114
Craigavon 681
Dungannon 654
Newry 608
Enniskillen 400
Londonderry 352
Newtownards 335
Armagh 325
Ballymena 311
Lisburn 289
Deborah King, TV Licensing spokesperson, 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.”
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.
