UK - Computer tax set to replace TV licence fee

[Karmashock]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1508650,00.html

That sucks... :thumbdown

[stats]

A news paper wrote a tongue in cheak article about this... i dont think it's true...

[Apocalypse]

Even if it was true, No PM in their right mind would mess with the generation of computer users which i might point out consists of quite a lot of stubborn gamers.

[Critta]

They get away with charging a TV licence don't they... as long as they don't try and make the charge per computer, I wouldn't mind too much.

Still sucks somewhat though.

[stats]

It was a passing comment by a wanker MP picked up by the prestigous SUN newspaper - so i ofcourse take it COMPLETELY seriously...

[Critta]

From the article:
"The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Green Paper setting out the BBC’s long-term future proposed a solution that could end the traditional fee.The paper suggested “either a compulsory levy on all households or even on ownership of PCs as well as TVs”."

I disagree that this is just a passing comment made by an MP and only picked up by the Sun, this article posted above is from the Times.

Will see if I can find an electronic copy of The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Green Paper mentioned in the article.

[Karmashock]

I try to use reliable sources... I think the times is responsible... but perhaps I wouldn't know... :\

[JediMaster]

Lol not only is this stupid it's a logistical nightmare. Think of all the costs associated with finding out who owns a PC and who dosen't.


Some sort of administration/branch og government that all PC owners must register their PC with
OR a way to trace PCs online to get a "head count" (Some technowizards would probably find a way to dodge this)


Finally, would the revenue earned by this tax offset the cost of being able to collect the tax?

Send the kelet in! :kelet: Don't ask me why. I need a reason?

[Wicksy]

OR a way to trace PCs online Easy. Tax the ISP's... costs will be passed on to the customers (ie. Internet using people). Granted, if there are multiple PC's sharing a connection they'd just pay 1 tax. They could also tax all newly-bought PC's.

This wouldn't surprise me, especially with tax & spend Labour governments. They tax just about everything else - the PC has gotten off lightly so far. The time will come.

Think of all the millions of PC's - how much $$ could the government make? Have you ever known them to pass up an oppotunity as good as that?

[Tank0]

in belgium the TV tax disappeared in the 90's but now we have to pay 25% more for the purchase of a new PC :(

[Karmashock]

when ever my Danish cousins visit me in the states, they always bring HUGE suitcases that they fill up with stuff while they're here... like... we went shopping with them for 4 days just filling those things up...

I don't know whether to laugh or feel sorry for them.