TV licence evaders in Calderdale have been using far-fetched excuses for not paying up.
“I don’t watch TV, it’s only on for the dog,” was the line given by one Halifax resident when caught by an enquiry officer, while in Todmorden, one evader said “I haven’t been paying because it’s in my two-year-old daughters name. I thought it was free”.
The list of excuses ranges from sublime to hilarious across West Yorkshire, with one resident in Leeds saying “I have only just passed my driving test. I haven’t done a test for my TV licence”, while one Wakefield man claimed “I don’t watch TV because me and the wife make our own films.
“We’re in the bath at the moment so go away.”
Matthew Thompson, TV Licensing spokesperson, added: “We are effective at catching evaders but it’s not surprising a few of those caught will try and avoid taking responsibility. Fewer than two per cent of households only watch catch up TV, so the vast majority of homes need a TV Licence.
“We would much rather people buy a TV Licence than make an fanciful excuse and face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”