dippydi

I have been hounded and hounded by TV licensing for YEARS now. Every time they 'visit' they agree I don't need a license, but because I move frequently they keep on needing to check my new addresses. If you stay put they check once in three years. If you have a TV license you can update your change of address via their web site. But, when I ask why this couldn't also apply to those who they have agreed don't need a licence gobblygook legalese comes back. To be sure I am sick to death of their constant interuption into my peaceable (and lawful) use of my own home. As for ignoring the letters (or not opening them) all that happens is they rack up the pressure and send someone around anyway. Sometimes these are fairly nice people (as reported above) sometimes they are very aggressive and out to get you (I heard somewhere, not sure if it is true or not, that the 'agents' get paid per conviction/person they persuaded to get licence. Could explain why some are more desperately tough than others). It gets to the point where I feel like I am stuck in a Kafka novel. Parrallel case 1: for a long time I didn't own a car and so no car was registered at my address. DVLA didn't call round investigating me every time I moved. Parrallel case 2: now i do have a car, and the speedo goes up to 120mph. But the police don't bang on my door every few months saying that because I have a car that is capable of speeding that I must therefore be speeding. NO!! They have to catch me in the act of speeding. What I want to know is just why TV Lisencing are so different and why they get away with being so aggressive in their activities to prevent what is basically tax evasion. BTW you don't need a licence to use BBC iplayer. Neither do you need a licence if you just have a TV set or video recorder (this covers cases such as if you rent property and TV/video comes with the furniture, as happened once with me. Luckily the guys that visit were of the nicer variety and understood that a TV in the attic is not being used, and I didn't have any choice about keeping the objectionable object). You ONLY need a licence if you watch or record TV programs as they are being shown. And really for a conviction they have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that this has happened. The British justice system is based on a presumption of innocence until one is proved guilty. I have no idea at all how TVL get away with their presumption of guilt until one can prove/persuade them of innocence. BUT. If you should have a TV licence, then go get one. Dippydi.

Well I came here expecting wind and damp and wind and rain and a bit of wind and sun if I was lucky. Since I got here (mid-May) it has been sunny and warm, and sunny with a bit of wind, and sunny with a mingled in but nothing to worry about shower or two, and sunny with a gale bashing around the place. But really, this summer has been lovely here. There has been an occasional windier and wetter patch, but nothing too long lasting. I have been amazed. Tho I've not shared this with my folks doon sooth, they might all start rushing up here. And peace and quiet away from family intrigue is one of the reasons I came here...so I wish the newspapers would keep a lid on all this lovely weather. I have totally enjoyed kicking around the place, its been a really lovely adventure! And I look forward to the raw winter gales when they come (well I say that now......). Dippydi.

ps: i didn't refer to the willingness of Tesco to accept other outlet coupons as 'scumbag'. I just noted a way to play them at their own game. They can afford to take a loss on these coupons (a newer take on 'loss-leaders): the co-op probably can't. But I have been enjoying my avocados recently (they've been ripe and luscious) - I wonder if you Tesco buyers of avocados can claim the same???!!! Dippydi

my info comes from when Tesco took over William Low in Dundee. And yes, certainly the hourly rate was improved, but at the cost of additional benefits, and even working practices (which seemingly were (much) more congenial while WM Low were the boss).

hear hear!!!! One way to undo Tesco's willingness about the Co-ops coupons is to use them in Tescos, by spending JUST enough to render them and not one penny more ever. Elsewise, just spend your money as usual in the Co-op. I still feel the best strategy for the co-op would have been to shut while Tesco had its glory day (see how Tesco managed demand etc) and then to open to its own hype about a revamped store etc etc etc . As for 'cheapest', what I have found is a bit of price adjusting in both stores, depending on what they think they compete on best. My money will go (on balance) with ethical trading and good staff conditions, and I reckon that rules out Tesco whatever their prices. But......the best option of all is to shop local, buy local produce, and reduce your food miles. You get fresher stuff that way too, and keep local businesses going at a price for their produce that reflects local circumstance. I'm all for that. Dippydi

OK. For my 2p worth with all this: Tesco have a National Pricing Policy which flexes very well to individual circumstance (including higher prices in low competitor zones). BUT what I want to know now, in all of this 'Oh Heil the great Tesco' debate is, why a pint of milk at the co-op costs 45p, and a 2 pints of the same milk at Tesco cost more than a pound?? I am of course talking about our own very local Shetland milk here, and I am gobsmacked that there is anyone left on this whole planet who cannot see where this is all going. Even (all hail to the almighty) Tesco managed to get its supply chain in a faff this week - I wouldn't think it would take a super-brain (or even a company with a HUGE marketting department) to realise that a new store opening with a great fan-fare would be bound to attract a lot of custom. But already they have had empty shelves in certain departments, and already they are posting excuses. And as a separate thought: the Co-op has an excellent range of fresh veg and fruit.......and mostly it is RIPE, and quite a lot of it comes from Fairtrade (or even Scottish) sources. whereas quite a lot of Tescos 'wide range' is simply rubbish - a cardboard cutout of the real stuff (under-ripe and so under-ripe it will never ripen even on sunny windowsills). I am amazed that anyone is buying the hype. Has anyone out there got any ideas about how we might form a local food network to protect and encourage our local food suppliers? I'd be all for that!

And this probably is the real point here. Tesco sells petrol cheaper here 'doon sooth' because they have competition from Sainsbury, Asda, or (in my case) Morrisons. what they would do in Shetland is undercut your local guys until they are driven out of business, then start putting up thier own prices. At the end of the day the difference wont be great. BUT would you rather buy stuff from a local supplier who recycles their profit in the local community, or have a short term gain with someone who then goes and recycles their profit some where else. me? I'd rather buy local anyday.

well I'm 'doon sooth' and yep, fuel goes up here too. In my local Tesco petrol is 103ppl (tho maybe thats another thread?), and in your shells and locals about 106-110ppl. This is for unleaded petrol - diesel add 10ppl. Folk around here are whinging like anything though.