A combined licence aimed at making payments easier for those who want to watch TV and own firearms may be available later this year. "It is crucial for the future of public service broadcasting that we vigorously check the profile of every TV licence holder to make sure they have paid the licence fee," said a spokesperson for TV UK licensing." We also want to minimise hassle for firearms licensees. A merger makes total sense."
Junior Home Office Minister Dora Jameson added: The idea of a double barrelled licence gun and tv licence, so to speak, will mean convenience and simplicity for all firearms users, whatever their tastes, and a minimum of red tape for gun enthusiasts. Of course we accept a tiny minority will abuse this system because they are unstable, mainly by watching excessive re-runs of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Please on BBC 3. We stress that most families already use their licences responsibly and these incidents are few and far between and we think more people will enjoy both TV and firearms as a result. In a climate of austerity, it makes sense to combine the two licensing regimes, leaving police officers to fight crime often committed by other police officers."
