You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer, even if it is on-demand – but some people can get a free TV licence
The TV licence fee will rise again for millions of households next week – but there may be ways you can cut your costs. The price of a TV licence is going up from £169.50 to £174.50 from April 1.
The price of a black and white TV licence will also rise by £1.50, going from £57 a year to £58.50. You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer, even if it is on-demand. This includes if you’re watching on a TV, laptop, phone or desktop computer.
If you only use catch-up services to watch shows after they’ve aired on TV, not including BBC iPlayer, then you likely won’t need a TV licence. This includes catch-up services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5. But if you’re using these services to watch live TV shows as they’re being broadcast, then you would need a TV licence.
If you’re caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence, then you could be fined up to £1,000. The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay. If you don’t need a TV licence, you can fill in a declaration on the TV Licensing website.
Just having a television in your home doesn’t mean you have to pay for a TV licence – it depends on what shows you are watching and on what platform. There is a guide on the TV Licensing website to help you work out if you need to pay for a TV licence in the UK.
A message on the TV Licensing website reads: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence. If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed the price of the TV licence would rise in an update last November. She also said the licence fee funding model would continue until 2027. However, she has said she will consider all funding options. In the year to March 2023, there were 24.4 million TV licences in force in the UK.
Ms Nandy said: “The BBC provides much-needed programming for households across the country, including children’s education, world-class entertainment and trusted news for all people in all parts of the UK. I want to see it thrive for decades to come. Through the Charter Review, we will have an honest national conversation about the broadcaster’s long-term future, ensuring the BBC has a sustainable public funding model that supports its vital work but is also fair and responsive to those who pay for it.
“In the short term, we are providing the BBC with funding certainty, while supporting thousands more households facing financial hardship to spread the cost of a TV licence.”
Are you eligible for free or cheap TV licence?
Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit: People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
Students living away from home: Students who are living away from home may also be covered if their parents have a TV licence, but only if they’re watching TV on a device that isn’t plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.
People who are blind or severely sight-impaired: If someone in your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you’ll get 50% off the cost of your TV licence
Residential care or sheltered accommodation: If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow
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