More than 700 people have been caught watching television without a licence this year in Ilford alone, according to new figures.

Residents were among more than 204,000 people caught across the UK between January and June without a licence.

TV Licensing, who published the figures this week, claim that the average evasion rate remains at a low and that almost 95 per cent of properties are correctly licensed.

A licence currently costs �145.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording television programmes, whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment.

For further information visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.