MP's back call to stop prosecution of licence fee dodgers

A 150 strong force of MP's are in revolt over the BBC television licence fee as the Government considers proposals to change the way TV licence fee dodgers are dealt with.

Currently, homeowners who don't pay their licence fee are taken to a Criminal Court and are liable for prosecution.  A change in the law would mean that more than 180,000 people each year would be de-criminalised as non-payment of the licence would become a civil offence.

As the law stands at the moment, licence fee evaders could face fines of up to £1,000, pick up a criminal record and as a worst case scenario have to serve a prison sentence.

As support for the campaign gathered momentum, MP's signed a petition supporting the move for changes to the law with backbenchers from all three main political parties getting involved.

Supporters include the former Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell and Former Conservative Chairman, David Davis.

Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling recently told the commons that he would raise the matter of the £145.50 licence fee with the BBC.

Mr Grayling expressed his sympathy in a Daily Mail report with people who feel it is unfair to criminalise viewers who are too poor to pay for their licence.  He went on to add that many supporters believe it should be collected in the same way as gas bills or Sky subscriptions.

The BBC insists that it has to threaten viewers with criminal prosecution or they will stop paying.  With around 50 people each year sent to prison for not paying their TV licence fee, the argument for change rumbles on.

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