ALTHOUGH my TV viewing is, at present, limited to a snowy BBC1 due to a dodgy aerial, I do make a mental note to update the television licence every year.

I guess it's an ingrained fear of Evil Edna, the omnipotent van which prowls the streets waiting to spring on those who dare watch Corrie every week without a licence.

If you happen to be flouting the rules and banish the thought of a £1,000 fine to the back of your mind, it's worth knowing the Licensing Agency has upped the stakes, as seen by the success of a recent push to punish evaders.

According to regional manager, Michelle Tunstall, more than 400,000 offenders are now caught every year - an average of 1,200 a day.

"This is done using our extensive database of 28 million addresses, which means that we can see, at the touch of a button, whether an address is licensed," she said.

"Detector vans then allow enquiry officers to identify whether a TV set is being used and handheld detection equipment gives easy access to areas where detector vans cannot go."

In addition, companies selling or renting out television sets, set-top boxes, computers fitted with TV cards and TV cards themselves are legally obliged to inform TV Licensing of the names and addresses of customers.

Households found not to have a licence are automatically sent enquiry letters and checked by officers.

But, to be completely in the picture, viewers need to know where they stand.

The basics are, a TV licence costs £116 for a colour TV set and £38.50 for a black and white version.

But, due to various permutations, the Licensing Agency is regularly bombarded by confused viewers' queries and here, Ms Tunstall answers those most frequently asked.

If my family of four has three TVs at home - do we need a separate licence for each?

"No, one licence covers the whole household - however many TVs you have. The one exception to this is if some of the people who live there have separate tenancy agreements (like lodgers and some students), as they do need separate licences."

n My son has just been accepted into university: will he need a licence when he leaves home?

"If he takes a TV with him, he must be covered by a licence. Most student accommodation in halls of residence consist of individual, lockable rooms, and if your son is in one of these and uses a TV, he will need his own licence. For those in shared homes the situation might be different. However, we do offer students a refund of £29 for unused quarters of the licence, which for most falls within the three summer months."

My 78-year-old mother has just moved in with us. Does her free licence cover the rest of the family?

"Free licences are available to all those aged over 75. More than three million have been issued since they were introduced in 2000 but I'm sure there are still more people in and around Worcester entitled to the concession. In this case your mother is eligible for the free licence which will cover all television sets where she lives."

How do I apply for the free over 75s TV licence?

"Details on how to apply will be included in your annual reminder. You can apply for your over 75 concessionary licence in a number of different ways: by post, at the Post Office or by telephoning 0845 603 6999.

"In all cases you will be asked to provide your date of birth and your National Insurance Number. Occasionally we may ask for further proof of age."

n Do I have to inform TV Licensing if I move home?

"Yes, you will not be covered unless you inform us of your change of address. This can be done by either calling 08705 246 246 or by e-mail via the TV Licensing's website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk"

n I am currently unemployed - do I need a TV licence?

"If you use a television at home, yes.

However, we recognise that, for people out of a job, it can be hard to pay the whole cost in one go. That's why we've come up with the Cash Easy Entry scheme - a weekly payment scheme designed for those who receive income-related benefits, currently used by over 750,000 people across the UK.

It involves payments from as little as £4 a week, making it an affordable option.

n Anyone with further questions on TV Licensing - regulations, concessions or ways to pay - write in or call 0870 241 5590. You can also visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk

TOMORROW: Talkback: Fighting the bullies - readers' tales.