Latest news with #LeeStuart
North Wales Live
17-07-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
Petition calls for pensioners over 66 to get free TV licences
An online petition has reached more than 2,000 signatures demanding free TV licences for all pensioners. The petition insists that individuals over the age of 66 "should receive a state-financed free TV licence". Currently, only specific groups of pensioners qualify for complimentary or reduced TV licences, which also extends to other demographics such as those who are visually impaired or residing in care homes. Hosted on the official government petitions website, the appeal contends that every UK pensioner should be granted a free TV licence, citing that "many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company". Michael Thompson, the individual behind the petition, said: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence. "Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession," reports the Manchester Evening News. He added: "We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries." So far, 2,864 people have signed the petition - which will run until December 11. If it gains 10,000 signatures the government will respond to it, and if it surpasses 100,000 it will be considered for debate in Parliament. Currently, you can only get a free TV licence as a pensioner if you're 75 or over and you get Pension Credit. The licence covers everyone living at your address. You can apply when you're 74 if you already get Pension Credit, but you'll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. Other reductions include if you're in residential care or sheltered accommodation, and if you're registered blind. Full information can be found on the website. A standard colour TV Licence in the UK costs £174.50 per year, which can be paid either as a one-off payment annually, via a monthly or quarterly direct debit, or through various other methods such as a payment card or postal orders. The petition can be found online on Parliament's website. It comes after a dad won a court battle with TV licensing last month after he cancelled his payments to watch streaming services. Lee Stuart was taken to court after he didn't pay his TV licence - even though he had previously explained to a TV Licensing inspector that he didn't need one.
Hypebeast
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hypebeast
New Balance Has Another Wild Hybrid Sneaker Coming
Summary Hot off of dropping the1906Lsneaker loafer last year,New Balanceis back with another hybrid design. The American sportswear brand just had its new 1890 model make an appearance courtesy of Lee Stuart, who serves as a senior marketing manager. Our limited preview of the model highlights its unique build, which seemingly draws inspiration from theClarks Wallabeewith its 'U'-shaped vamp. The leather upper appears in a soft yellow hue while snakeskin overlays synergize with its runner-inspired sole unit in black that is backed by ABZORB cushioning. As with the 1906L, the 1890 offers subtle branding: a small 'N' callout below the lacing system and an 'ABZORB' nod at the lateral heel. Its white sockliner is where the '1890' model name is referenced explicitly. At the time of writing, New Balance has not yet indicated when the 1890 will be making its retail debut. Stay tuned for updates, including a complete look at the new silhouette, as we expect it to arrive on shelves within the next year viaNew Balanceand select stockists, which will likely be a list similar to the lineup of boutiques that carry the 1906L.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Dad wins landmark TV Licence battle after cancelling to stream from games console
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A dad has won a landmark battle with TV Licensing after cancelling his licence in favour of streaming services on his gaming console. The current price for a TV licence is £174.50, granting lawful access to BBC programmes and live viewing across networks such as ITV and Channel 4, whether through aerial or online. But it seems not everyone must cough up for the fee, as Lee Stuart from Kirkby demonstrated in court. Last year, Mr Stuart had a run-in with a TV Licensing official and stated his case. Lee Stuart told the officer: "I told him I just watch Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation, and he asked me if I used BBC iPlayer and I said, 'no'." READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better king' READ MORE - World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants After he signed a declaration confirming his statements, as reported by the Express, he thought that would be the last of the situation. But a Single Justice Procedure Notice soon dropped into his letterbox, indicating a potential legal skirmish. Resolved to fight his corner, Mr Stuart stood his ground in the dock, contesting the assertion from TV Licensing that he was watching the news and rebuffed an entry request from their agent. Sefton Magistrates Court dismissed the charge due to insufficient proof, reports Derbyshire Live. A spokesperson for TV Licensing clarified: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." However, it has since come to light that Mr Stuart's claims were indeed accurate, according to TV Licensing's own rules. TV Licensing's guidelines stipulate that a TV Licence is essential for anyone who:. - Watches or records live TV across any channel using services like Sky, Virgin, Freeview, or Freesat. - Streams live content on platforms such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, or Sky Go. - Utilises BBC iPlayer in any capacity. However, there are exemptions where a TV Licence isn't necessary:. - Viewing on-demand content on Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, provided it's not live. For instance, you can legally watch series like Drive To Survive, Stranger Things, Ted Lasso, or Clarkson's Farm without a TV Licence. But watching live sports, such as a Premier League match on Amazon Prime, would require a Licence. TV Licensing emphasises: "You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer." LIVE doesn't just refer to a live match, but also if you're watching Coronation Street as it's being broadcast 'live', you'll need a TV Licence. However, if you catch up on an ITV or Channel 4 show later, you won't require a licence for that.
Wales Online
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174
TV licence rules explained as changing watching habits could save £174 Some households may not even need a TV Licence, but avoiding it when you do need one could cost £1,000 Deciding what to watch could cost your £174 or more (Image: GETTY ) TV Licence regulations can be confusing, with some people potentially paying £174.50 unnecessarily, while others could be risking a £1,000 fine by unlawfully evading the fee. The need for a TV Licence largely hinges on the type of television you watch or record, and if you don't meet the criteria for a TV Licence, completing a straightforward form can keep the agency at bay. According to the TV Licensing authority, you'll need a TV licence if you watch any of the following: All live TV channels such as BBC, ITV and international channels Paid live TV services like Sky and Virgin Media Live streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix BBC iPlayer This also encompasses watching, recording or downloading any of the above on any device. However, if you aren't watching any type of live TV or using BBC iPlayer, there's a chance that you might not require a TV licence. For instance, if you're solely watching DVDs, on-demand services like ITVX and All 4 or streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, then according to the Daily Record, you won't need a licence. Article continues below Lee Stuart, a resident of Kirkby, falls into this category as he exclusively watches online streaming services. Initially, Lee had a TV licence registered at his home, but after ceasing to watch broadcast TV, he cancelled his licence. Months later, he subsequently received a Single Justice Procedure Notice in January alleging that he was watching live TV without a valid licence. When a case escalates to such an extent, people may face a penalty of up to £1,000 plus legal costs if they are brought to court. However, Lee, who represented himself in front of the judge, saw his case thrown out due to lack of proof. Following the judgement, a spokesperson from TV Licensing said: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." Lee was under the impression his ordeal had ended, but he was promptly reminded by the agency about a potential need for a TV licence. Consequently, he lodged an official complaint and completed a 'No Licence Needed' (NLN) declaration. TV Licensing has acknowledged receipt of Mr Stuart's NLN form. Article continues below The online NLN declaration process involves outlining your viewing activities to establish whether you indeed require a licence. TV Licensing warns: "If you tell us you don't need a licence we may visit you to check. "If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay." TV Licensing's spokesperson further clarified that by declaring no need for a TV licence, one could halt the barrage of correspondence recommending and reminding the individual to procure a licence; this respite from letters will only persist for a year, after which they will recommence in case there has been a change in situation.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Households that can save £174 a year by cancelling TV licence
Getting a No Licence Needed declaration could put an end to TV Licensing letters and visits TV Licence rules can be confusing, but some people may be paying £174.50 for no reason, while others could be risking £1,000 by skipping the fee illegally. This largely depends on what type of TV you watch or record, and if you don't meet the requirements for a TV Licence, filling out one simple form can keep the agency at bay. If you watch any of the following, you'll need to have a TV licence according to the TV Licensing authority: All live TV channels such as BBC, ITV and international channels Paid live TV services like Sky and Virgin Media Live streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix BBC iPlayer This also includes watching, recording or downloading any of the above on any device. However, if you aren't watching any type of live TV or using BBC iPlayer, there may be a change that you don't need a TV licence. For example, if you're only watching DVDs, on-demand services like ITVX and All 4 or streaming sites like Netflix and Disney+, then you won't need a licence according to the Daily Record. Lee Stuart fell into this group as he exclusively watched online streaming services. The Kirkby resident initially had a TV licence registered on his home, but stopped watching broadcast TV and subsequently cancelled his licence. He then received a Single Justice Procedure Notice in January alleging that he was watching live TV without a valid licence. When a case gets to this point, the penalty can go up to £1,000 plus legal costs if you are prosecuted. But Stuart defended himself in court, and the case was ultimately dismissed by the judge due to a lack of proof. After the verdict was revealed, a TV Licensing representative said: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." Stuart thought his troubles were over, but he soon received a remined from the agency about potentially needing a licence. In response, he filed an official grievance and filled out a No Licence Needed declaration. TV Licensing has confirmed they have received Mr Stuart's NLN form. This declaration form can be done online and asks you to describe your viewing habits to check you really don't need a licence. TV Licensing notes: "If you tell us you don't need a licence we may visit you to check. "If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay." A TV licensing spokesperson explained that declaring you don't need a licence will stop letters being sent to your address advising and reminding you about getting a TV licence. This will only last for one year though and letters will resume just in case your circumstances have changed.
