NormanH Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 At the moment those of us who receive TV by Adsl watch on their computer screen and don't have an actual TV are exempt from paying the French redevance audiovisuel, payable with the Taxe d'Habitation.It looks as if this exemption will stop from 2013One of the 'loopholes' that is being closed, I suppose, and fair enough in a way, but still another 125€ more to find.http://www.lemonde.fr/technologies/article/2012/06/30/la-redevance-bientot-etendue-aux-ecrans-d-ordinateurs_1727475_651865.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sid Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Another piece of legislation that's not been thought through properly. It sounds as though it'll apply to those who are on contracts to receive TV, as for example with Orange, but many of us also receive streaming TV from time to time (who... me? [:$]), so will it include all those with no TV but with a computer? And what about people with no TV but who have handheld mobile devices, iphones etc (not that I'd want to watch for too long on one of those!).Sorry Norman, I didn't mean for you to answer these questions! I'm just thinking out loud. I find I'm talking to myself more these days too! [:-))] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted June 30, 2012 Author Share Posted June 30, 2012 It's about to be discussed, but as the Minister has floated the idea I reckon it will mean those of us on triple ADSL deals will pay in the future.It isn't additional though, so if you already pay you will be covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 How you watch TV or what you watch it on shouldn't really make any difference, ultimately if you watch TV then you should pay a licence fee.I can't really see how anyone can argue to the contrary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 But if you don't watch TV via your computer .............................? Surely if you don't watch, you shouldn't have to pay! How do you prove you don't watch TV? The only thing I remember watching TV for was a few minutes of the royal wedding last year, until our neighbour brought her TV through here so we could all watch it together and drink champagne together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted June 30, 2012 Share Posted June 30, 2012 Of course you shouldn't pay if you truly do not watch. You cannot prove a negative but the presumption will always be that you do watch TV unless you positively claim exemption saying that you don't.Watching someone else's TV obviously doesn't count neither can the licence be PAYG ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted July 1, 2012 Author Share Posted July 1, 2012 I rather agree that there isn't a very good case against paying. Nevertheless one was made and has continued to be upheld for some time, and if this goes through it will mark a change in policy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnOther Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 The surprising thing really is that it has taken them this long to wake up to the issue, it's been the case in UK for some time.http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-oneIt's reminded me of the tale that if you don't have a TV in your house on Jan. 1st then you don't have to pay the redevance audiovisuel for the year. If that were true then I'm sure every Frenchman would remove their TV at 11:59 on Dec. 31st and return it at 1 minute past midnight on Jan. 2nd and I would join them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sid Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 That's interesting ANo, it's been a while since we had a UK residence and I see that laptops and mobile phones are now included on that list! I wouldn't mind betting that many people, like me, didn't know that. I have no argument about paying for what I use, more about paying and knowing that loads of other people are avoiding it. If it was to be controlled properly I'd feel better about it. EDIT I notice that is says you need a licence if you watch TV at the same time as it is being broadcast, or record it at the same time as the broadcast. There must be a niche there for relaying programmes with an inbuilt delay. What would be even better would be if they were relayed slightly ahead, then I might actually watch horeracing! [;-)]Is there a K2 system or similar for offloading your TV reception liability offshore? [6] [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quillan Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 "Is there a K2 system or similar for offloading your TV reception liability offshore?"Ah your be looking for a right little comedian to get advise on that one Sid. [;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 I have often wondered why the UK does not follow the French system re TV Licence payment .. Stick the licence fee on the council tax and business tax rate for all premises Those who do not have a TV to go to a Post Office fill a form and make a declaration they dont have one ... I dont think the post office would get many turn up... Even the Porta Cabin at our local tip has a TV on now . Its got to be easier than chasing none payers and using detector vans and imprisoning people . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted July 1, 2012 Author Share Posted July 1, 2012 In fact in France you just declare that you haven't got one on your Income tax form each year, but I suppose with PAYE that might not work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YCCMB Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 [quote user="NormanH"]In fact in France you just declare that you haven't got one on your Income tax form each year, but I suppose with PAYE that might not work.[/quote]However, in France, alternative means exist for those of us who don't complete an income tax return, so I'm sure there would be options to do something similar in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 The TV licence could be collected with the council tax as councils have a complete list of all premises and residences in their area and are the best placed to check. And, of course, people should have to make a positive declaration that they do not have a TV rather than the present system which is prone to abuse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted July 1, 2012 Share Posted July 1, 2012 [quote user="woolybanana"]The TV licence could be collected with the council tax as councils have a complete list of all premises and residences in their area and are the best placed to check. And, of course, people should have to make a positive declaration that they do not have a TV rather than the present system which is prone to abuse.[/quote]Yes, it certainly works in France; we sign a form each year to state that we have no TV, and no charge appears on our tax bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted July 5, 2012 Author Share Posted July 5, 2012 A new statement says that Government doesn't intend to put this tax on computers!However there will be an arbitration between the two ministries..http://www.lefigaro.fr/medias/2012/07/05/20004-20120705ARTFIG00330-redevance-le-gouvernement-exclut-de-taxer-les-ordinateurs.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woolybanana Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Whiuch means they will! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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