TV Licensing launches language resources for Tower Hamlets community

There are thought to be over four million people in the UK whose main language is not English – and some 45,000 people in and around Tower Hamlets who may speak Bengali or Somali as a first language. TV Licensing has therefore been working with local money advice organisations and community groups, such as the Shadwell Debt Advice Centre, in Tower Hamlets to highlight licensing requirements.

Martin Dyan, spokesperson for TV Licensing, explained: “We’ve been speaking to local community groups in Tower Hamlets over the past couple of months explaining the need to be correctly licensed. We’ve found some people might not understand their licensing responsibilities; for example, the fact that a TV Licence is still needed when watching live television from a different country via a satellite dish or receiver, or that you need a licence to watch TV online or on a mobile phone.”

As part of this work, TV Licensing produces literature in 20 languages, along with translated web pages explaining licensing requirements, including in Bengali and Somali.  People who are not confident speaking in English can call TV Licensing on 0300-790 6044 and use a language translation service, which allows customers to set up or pay for a TV Licence over the phone in more than 120 languages.

Martin Dyan continued: “Our London & South East Community Relations team is on hand to help individuals or those providing information services in the area to make sure people know when you need a licence and that you can spread the cost of a licence over weeks or months.  We’d encourage anyone who needs a licence to speak to a trusted friend in the community, get in touch with an organisation like Citizens Advice or contact TV Licensing direct to ensure you don’t risk a prosecution and a fine.”

•TV Licensing information is available in Bengali and Somali at tvlicensing.co.uk/languages or by calling the translation line on 0300-790 6044.