Sir, - On October 12th I attempted to renew my TV licence in advance at a local post office. It was due for renewal on October 31st. My cash payment was refused, even though I had the current licence with me. I was informed that it was not possible to pay in advance, that I had to wait until I had received a "reminder" to pay for it.
I have a limited income and wanted to clear this bill before going on holidays, so I was annoyed and bewildered that this should be the case. I phoned the TV licence section at An Post, only to be told that it didn't have anybody who could deal with complaints over the phone and that I would have to write to the manager.
Imagine my bemusement as I opened my "reminder" on my return from holidays on October 21st. It included the incentive that if my bill was paid before the end of the month I could win a weekend away! - Yours, etc.,
Anna O Laoghaire, Baldoyle, Dublin 13.