TV Licensing – the brand under which the BBC operates its scheme under – has confirmed all “field activity” by TV licence officers has stopped. Prosecutions have been paused and the BBC’s licence fee collection division is currently not writing to addresses flouting licensing laws. TV Licensing confirmed it is not currently sending letters to people to chase late payments as a number of people have been hurt financially from the coronavirus lockdown.

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Letters being sent to address which don’t hold a TV licence have also been stopped.

Other cases, some of which could end up with prosecution in court, have been paused.

TV Licensing added it is only currently sending out renewal letters to customers who are fully paid and up to date on their account.

These people can renew this online through the website nor through calling an automated telephone service.

A spokesman for TV Licensing said: “TV Licensing has stopped all visiting officer activity to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and prosecutions have been paused in line.

“TV Licensing wants to do all it can to help support customers suffering financial difficulties.”

The latest move comes after months of criticism directed towards the BBC over its decision to scrap free TV licences for millions of people aged over 75.

But the broadcaster has said it will now delay this move following intense pressure from lobby groups.

The BBC insisted it does not want the elderly to be worried about not being able to watch television during the coronavirus lockdown.

Boris Johnson had urged the public to “stay at home” in a desperate attempt to contain the accelerating coronavirus outbreak in the UK.

He also urged people to follow social distancing guidelines of remaining two metres away from others.

But millions of people ignored this, leading the Prime Minister to place the country into lockdown with a host of strict new measures.

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The public has again been told to remain at home, and only leave their property to buy food, for health reasons and to go to work – if they are unable to work from home.

They have also been warned not to meet others – even close friends or families.

Social distancing rules of remaining two metres away from others have been reinforced and repeated.

Police have been granted new powers during the lockdown period.

They can fine and arrest people for breaking the measures.

Officers have also been given the power to break up gatherings of more than two people.

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