Menu
15/08/2006
Belfast rates eighth in TV license evasion
Belfast has today been named as one of the worst cities in the UK for television license evasion.
Almost 3,000 people have been caught watching TV without a licence in the city over the past six months, putting it eighth in the national league of shame – up two places from last year.
The total figure of license evaders in Northern Ireland over the same period is just over 10,000 – which works out at around 50-people a day being caught.
Deborah King from TV Licensing today said that people who do not yet have a licence should get one as soon as possible, as offenders are being caught.
She said: "Our results across the region show just how effective we are at tracking down those people who try to get away with watching TV without a valid licence," she said.
"We have a database of more than 28 million addresses, allowing us to focus our visiting on properties which have no record of a TV licence.
"The results show how successful we've been at pinpointing those who don't pay in Belfast and right across Northern Ireland.
"The message couldn't be clearer to the minority without a licence: watch out, as we're out on your streets catching evaders."
People who are caught watching without a license, could face a fine of up to £1,000.
A licence for a colour TV currently costs £131.50, while a black and white TV licence costs £44.
The top ten list of license evading areas in Northern Ireland, are: Belfast with 2,806; Derry with 896; Newry 679; Craigavon 558; Ballymena 361; Armagh 327; Lisburn 318; Newtownards 312; Antrim 305 and Dungannon 301.
(EF)
Almost 3,000 people have been caught watching TV without a licence in the city over the past six months, putting it eighth in the national league of shame – up two places from last year.
The total figure of license evaders in Northern Ireland over the same period is just over 10,000 – which works out at around 50-people a day being caught.
Deborah King from TV Licensing today said that people who do not yet have a licence should get one as soon as possible, as offenders are being caught.
She said: "Our results across the region show just how effective we are at tracking down those people who try to get away with watching TV without a valid licence," she said.
"We have a database of more than 28 million addresses, allowing us to focus our visiting on properties which have no record of a TV licence.
"The results show how successful we've been at pinpointing those who don't pay in Belfast and right across Northern Ireland.
"The message couldn't be clearer to the minority without a licence: watch out, as we're out on your streets catching evaders."
People who are caught watching without a license, could face a fine of up to £1,000.
A licence for a colour TV currently costs £131.50, while a black and white TV licence costs £44.
The top ten list of license evading areas in Northern Ireland, are: Belfast with 2,806; Derry with 896; Newry 679; Craigavon 558; Ballymena 361; Armagh 327; Lisburn 318; Newtownards 312; Antrim 305 and Dungannon 301.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
