Matthew Revell

I bought a set top box at Christmas. The shop (Argos) wanted my name, address and postcode to pass to the TV licensing authorities.

Initially, I refused. I have a TV licence, I believe the TV licence is the least bad way to fund the BBC. Out of principle, though, I don’t see why Capita - the private firm that runs TV Licensing - or Argos should be able to demand my details for buying a piece of entertainment equipment.

In a rush, and with a hundred other Chrismas-related things to do, I gave my address and forgot about it.

Today, I received a warning from Capita/TV Licensing. They tell me when and where I bought the “television receiving equipment” and that, unless I ring to tell them that I already have a licence, their enforcement officers will visit me.

In the UK, each address at which TV receiving equipment is used must have a TV licence. Ours is in my wife’s name. Capita appear to check their retailer-provided information on both the name and address, so haven’t found that we are actually licensed.

The tone of the letter is threatening whilst, somehow, managing to weave out of accusing me directly. They tell me it’s illegal to watch or record TV without a licence. They say that, if I need to, I should buy a licence.

Why are they being so vague, when all they need to do is check their database? They even want me to phone them (on an 0870 number) to say that this address is already licensed.

I want to be awkward. If they can’t use their own database properly, yet still want to threaten me with fines and court appearances, I want to put them to the trouble of sending their heavies over, so I can show them our licence. I’ve done nothing wrong.