The new TV licence changes will leave people on the hook for an additional £5 per year, but it is possible to get a refund and even claim a free one – eligibility permitting
TV licence costs set to increase in less than a month’s time could leave a legion of Brits ready to jump ship in a bid to save some money. Those unimpressed by the new £174 charge – which takes effect this coming April – could not only free themselves of the obligation, but get a refund.
The government committed in 2024 to raising the TV licence fee in line with inflation until 2027, meaning it will increase by £5 from its current £169.50 a year rate for people who own a colour TV and £1.50 for non-coloured TV licences from £57 to £58.50. The prices agreed by the TV Licensing Authority will hit everyone regardless of payment method from the start of the new tax year on April 1, translating to roughly £14.60 per month for colour television, an approximately 50p change, and around 12p per month for non-coloured televisions. People must continue to pay for the service if they watch live television terrestrially or online via services like BBC iPlayer, ITV and Channel 4. But it is possible to ditch the licence, get a refund, and eliminate the new fee.
BBC TV licence price is rising for millions of homes next week – see if you can save £174 now
Cancelling a TV licence is straightforward, as all people need to do is go to the official TV licensing site and click on the “cancel an existing licence” option. Those who cancel with more than a month remaining on their licence can then apply for a refund. But you must have already paid the full price to get the money back, and refundees will only receive money back for months not used.
People can also apply for a refund if they are eligible for a free or discounted licence. Refunds usually take a few weeks to come through after an application has been submitted. Those who would prefer to keep their licences have some avenues open to completely eliminating the fee, but they must meet specific criteria.
Free licences used to be much more abundant, with all over-75s having previously been eligible for the benefit, but it was revoked by Boris Johnson’s government in 2020. While they still exist, only those who receive the Pension Credit benefit can claim one.
People who believe they may be eligible can check via the TV licensing website or call the free over-75s information line on 0800 232 1382.
Some could also be eligible for a discount, provided they live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, or they are registered blind. If they’re over 60, they may be able to secure a licence for just £7.50, but it is not yet clear whether this price will hold fast in April.
People who are registered blind or live with someone who is can claim a 50 percent discount which is currently set at £84.75 and set to rise to £87.25 in April.
Those who fail to pay for the licence without going through the right channels to cancel it first or claim a free one face a potentially costly punishment, as non-payment is treated severely. Anyone who watches without a licence could be prosecuted or fined up to £1,000, plus legal costs and compensation.
People who then fail to pay the resulting fine may be imprisoned, or the court may send bailiffs and sheriffs officers to their homes, with money potentially taken from wages and benefits.
