Doorstep manner

 An interesting FOI exchange over licence fee collections during the epidemic: 

Q: “Please state the number of occasions after 23rd March 2020 when one or more persons working 
as inspectors for TV Licensing (whether as employees or contractors) have visited residential premises in order to conduct an inspection and either: 
- (i) entered those premises, or 
- (ii) attempted or requested to enter those premises (but did not enter them)" 

A: "For the safety of our customers and staff, TV Licensing ceased visiting addresses on 20th March 2020, in line with the government’s Covid-19 measures in place. This decision was kept under regular review, in accordance with government advice, and we recommenced visiting on 4th August. 

 "I can confirm that we hold recorded information relating to TV Licensing visits in the UK since 4th 

August. However, we consider that this information is exempt under sections 31(1)(a),(b),(d) and 

(g) and (2)(a) of the Act which relate to law enforcement; specifically, on the grounds that 

disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the prevention or detection of crime, the 

apprehension or prosecution of offenders, the collection of the licence fee and the BBC’s ability to 

discharge its public functions in respect of such matters. This is because it would provide 

information of use to those seeking to evade and/or assist others in evading paying the licence fee."

There's also details of guidance for the inspectors on doorstep behaviour.... 

Should a customer object to being visited you should advise them: ‘In line with Government guidance, we have been advised to return to work, with all reasonable precautions being put in place to enable us to do so’. 

When knocking on the door knock on the top right or left of the door & avoid using the letterbox or doorbell whenever possible.   

 

Stand sideways on rather than directly facing customers and keep conversation to that required to conduct the visit. 

Clearly, watch out for the funny knock and the sideways stance on your doorstep !