I recently posted a cheque to pay for my TV licence together with a letter to inform the Licensing Unit we have three not four TV sets and that our post code has changed.

The next day I found a missed call on returning home. I called back and it was from the Licensing Unit. As I was on the line I just mentioned to the lady at the other end the issue of the number of TV sets at home. Thank goodness I stopped there!

“You have to take an affidavit,” was her reply. I pointed out that I have no intention of doing anything of the sort for such a triviality. Her answer was: “Then pay more”.

I am addressing this letter to all those who are in any way able to address this silly situation, from the Prime Minister down. In which decent country in the world does one have such a situation? Are we or aren’t we a modern country in the European Union?

As far as my religious knowledge is concerned, taking an affidavit is a serious matter because in effect, it is calling on God almighty to bear witness to one’s declaration.

I believe the Church has a duty and an obligation to inform and to teach and this is certainly a situation where it is wrong not to act.