220 TV Licence evaders in Yarmouth

MORE than 200 people in Great Yarmouth were caught watching TV without a licence during the first six months of 2009. 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.

MORE than 200 people in Great Yarmouth were caught watching TV without a licence during the first six months of 2009.

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.

This included 220 people in Great Yarmouth and more than 420 in Norwich.

The average evasion rate is currently just over five per cent, meaning that almost 95pc of properties are correctly licensed.

Additionally, in the period 2008/2009 TV Licence collection costs fell to 3.4pc of total income collected from 3.6pc the previous year.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesperson for East Anglia, 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.

For more information visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.