Over 450 young adults were caught watching live TV without a licence in Leeds last year.

Of the 25,000 adults under the age of 25 in the UK found without a licence in the past year, 460 of them came from an LS postcode. Watching live TV without a licence is illegal and if discovered can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

According to TV licensing 99 per cent of students now own a device that is capable of streaming live TV.

Jenny Murphy from the TV Licensing Student Team said that paying for their TV Licence was simply “not a priority” for students when moving to halls or moving into shared accommodation, where each room with a lock must possess a separate licence.

She also defended the current use of letters sent to each individual flat in Halls of Residence, calling them “effective” and “helpful reminders” for students who may have forgotten to pay.

TV Licensing stresses that students can pay by Direct Debit, a Cash Payment card or by post. Refunds may also be possible if students move out of their University homes during the summer months.

Nirankar Phull

Photo: Leoor Ohayon