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Salford ‘Resistance’ demand end to TV licencing fees as 25,000 UK residents dodge hotly-debated bills

By Josh Nicholls

A Salford movement is determined to see TV licencing fees abolished after 25,000 television holders in the UK were revealed to be dodging the debt.

This figure included around 600 people from Greater Manchester who were caught watching live TV without a licence.

With more than 80% of first year university students being under 25, TV licensing has warned that anyone found avoiding payment will face a £1,000 fine and possible prosecution.

However in spite of the TV licensing warnings it seems that many people will continue to flout the law and an online movement known as the TV Licence Resistance are determined to make a stance against the law.

They have headed a petition to abolish the fee which has so far reached 2,315 signatures.

The resistance told MM: “These figures show that people are getting more and more angry at being forced to fund one broadcaster over all the others.”

The group have more than 20,000 likes on Facebook and have used the social networking site to gather more petition signatures.

However Paul Williams, a spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “Students and young adults need to be aware of their legal responsibilities.

“With nearly all students owning at least one device capable of showing live TV they should know the law around being correctly licensed.  If you’re watching live TV on any device, including mobiles and tablets, you need a TV Licence.”

To sign the petition, click here.

Image courtesy of Roger Lancefield via Flickr, with thanks.

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