4,300 dodge TV tax in six months

More than 4,300 people in the Black Country were caught watching TV without a licence during the first six months of the year, it was revealed today.

TV Licensing bosses said today that the number of people caught dodging the fare nationally had surged compared to last year. Across the UK, 214,000 people were caught without a licence from January to June 2009 – 5,000 more fee-evaders than in the same period last year.

The figures included 1,552 people in Wolverhampton, 917 in Walsall, and 471 in Dudley.

In West Bromwich 351 people were caught without a licence, 318 in Oldbury, 229 in both Wednesbury and Smethwick, 76 in Rowley Regis and 237 in Tipton – making a total of 1,440 for the whole of Sandwell.

It also emerged that in 2008/2009, TV licence collection costs fell to 3.4 per cent of total income collected from 3.6 per cent the previous year.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said: "These figures show our continued effectiveness in catching people who watch TV illegally and therefore penalise the honest majority.

"While evaders come from all income groups, we understand that in the current economic climate some people may find it difficult to pay their fee in one go.

"This is why we provide numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly direct debit, which can be set up quickly on-line, and a weekly cash payment plan."

Bosses said the average rate for people watching TV without a licence was around five per cent.

A colour TV licence costs £142.50. Anyone not holding a TV licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. Go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info