FOI/202000015319 · FOI · unclear
TV licence prosecutions: FOI release
Information requested
1) How many people in Scotland were prosecuted for not paying their TV licence in Scotland over the last 5 years? 2) Can I please have a break down per year and also per region? 3) How many people in Scotland were convicted for not paying their TV licence in Scotland over the last 5 years? 4) Can I please have a break down per year and also per region?
Response
The answer to your question is provided in the attached excel workbook. In the UK the non-payment of the licence fee is a criminal offence. The television licence fee and whether or not evasion of it is a criminal offence is a matter reserved to the UK Government. The prosecutorial function is, however, devolved and in Scotland the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has have placed a greater emphasis on alternatives to prosecution. Further information on types of non-court disposals is available in the 'Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2017-18' publication which can be viewed via the undernoted link. If you do not have access to the internet then please let me know and we can provide a printed copy for you. https://www.gov.scot/publications/criminal-proceedings-scotland-2017-18/
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.