Over 18,000 households across Derry will no longer receive an annual paper television licence.
TV Licensing has revealed it has written to more than 14 million Direct Debit customers letting them know they will no longer receive an annual paper licence as long as they automatically renew and pay on time.
It is estimated costs saved (through ink, paper and postage] by not issuing paper licences to customers is expected to total £3 million over the next three years.
The money saved will be used to off-set national rises in postage costs.
Mark Sterling, of TV Licensing, said the changes meant it was important customers notified TV Licensing if they moved house or changed their personal details.
Pointing out the cost of the licence fee was frozen until 2016 and the amount people paid for a TV licence had not changed since 2011, he said TV Licensing was “always” looking to increase efficiencies to deliver “better value” for the licence fee payer.
He added: “By not issuing the annual paper licence to Direct Debit customers TV Licensing will have saved around £5m from the start of the initiative to Charter Renewal in 2016.
“Those customers won’t require a paper licence until 2016 as we know their property is correctly licensed and their payment plans won’t change until then.
“Without the yearly postal reminder there is a chance some customers may forget to let us know if they move house, or update their Direct Debit details.
“Keeping us updated of any change of details is easy and can be completed quickly and safely online or by phone.”
Mr Sterling said customers could check or update their personal details anytime by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info or by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6112.
He concluded: “Customers should update their personal details if they move house, turn 75 or change their bank details or surname so as to remain properly licensed.”
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