The TV licence fee will increase in cost from April 1 and even users of Netflix and Amazon Prime could have to fork out
The cost of a TV licence is set to rise for millions of households next week, but there are exemptions that could you mean you do not have to pay. From April 1, the cost of a TV licence will increase from £169.50 to £174.50.
The price of a black and white TV licence will also see an increase of £1.50, moving from £57 a year to £58.50. A TV licence is required if you watch or record live TV, or if you use BBC iPlayer, even for on-demand content.
Who needs a TV licence?
This applies whether you’re viewing on a TV, laptop, phone or desktop computer. If you only utilise catch-up services to watch shows after they’ve been broadcast on TV, excluding BBC iPlayer, then you likely won’t need a TV licence.
This includes services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5. However, if you’re using these platforms to watch live TV shows as they’re being aired, then a TV licence would be necessary.
If you’re found watching TV programmes that necessitate a TV licence without having one, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. In Guernsey, the maximum fine is £2,000, in addition to any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay, reports the MEN.
How to save money on TV licence fee
If you don’t require a TV licence, you can complete a declaration on the TV Licensing website, saving yourself £174. There’s also another way to save this exact amount whilst also being able to watch TV. It’s worth noting that owning a television doesn’t automatically mean you have to pay for a TV licence – it depends on what programmes you are watching and on which platform.
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Do they know if I don’t have a TV licence?
The TV Licensing website offers guidance to figure out if you’re required to fork out for a licence in the UK. The site says: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence.”
The alert continues, saying: “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.”
In a recent statement, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed the impending hike in the cost of the TV licence, following on from her update last November. She reaffirmed the current licence fee system will persist at least until 2027 but hinted at openness to debating alternatives in future. As of March 2023, the UK counts 24.4 million active TV licences.
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Highlighting the BBC’s importance, Ms Nandy stated: “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 discounted TV licence?
Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit
If you’re over 75 and on Pension Credit, good news: You qualify for a free TV licence and can save the full £174.
Students residing away from home
For students living away from home, there’s a chance you’re still covered by your parents’ TV licence. This applies if you watch on a device that’s not plugged into the mains, like a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.
Individuals who are blind or severely sight-impaired
Households with a blind or severely sight-impaired member can get a 50% discount on their TV licence fee. Residents of care homes or sheltered accommodation: If you live in residential care or sheltered housing, you might be able to snag a concessionary TV licence at just £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
