It used to be the case that you required a TV license merely to possess a TV. This is no longer the case, and you can possess a TV without a license as long as

It used to be the case that you required a TV license merely to possess a TV. This is no longer the case, and you can possess a TV without a license as long as you do not use it to receive any broadcast media. You also need the TV license to use the BBCs online media services, but if you also opt out of those, there's no need to pay the fee. The BBC claim they can detect if you're watching, but this is of course, bullshit. The TV receives broadcast media - it doesn't send anything out. The only way they can catch you is in the act, if you leave your blinds or curtains open and they can see the TV playing live. The main tactic they use to make people pay the license is constant intimidation and threats. There is a form you can fill out to clearly state that you do not use a TV for any of the purposes which require a license fee, but this has little use as the bullies will still come knocking even if you fill it out. The main thing people need is awareness that they do not need to pay the license fee to merely own a TV for watching Netflix or anything not covered by the license. If one of their cronies comes knocking, you tell them to get lost. If they come again, threaten to report them for harassment. If they take you to court, you explain that you don't use the TV for any of the covered purposes and the BBC pays your court costs and leaves you alone after that.