The cost of the BBC TV licence is expected to hit £180 from April, the Government announced
The Government has announced that the TV licence fee will increase in line with inflation, rising to £180 from April 1, 2026. Additionally, the government confirmed that free and reduced-price licences for certain eligible people will continue to be available, with the Simple Payment Plan remaining in place to assist those struggling financially by spreading the cost across smaller instalments.
Nevertheless, many people may be unaware that they qualify for a reduced rate or even complimentary TV licences. Households can be eligible depending on their age, financial circumstances, living situation and even the type of television they own.
Discounted TV licence
Three particular groups qualify for a reduced-price TV licence. This includes residents of care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation who may be able to obtain a TV licence for £7.50.
To be eligible, they must be either retired and aged over 60 or disabled. Your housing manager should be able to verify your eligibility and will submit the application on your behalf.
Those who are blind or severely sight impaired and can provide proof may qualify for a 50% reduction on their TV licence. The licence must be registered in the blind person’s name to be valid.
Residents using a black and white television can obtain a specific black and white TV licence which costs less than the standard colour TV licence. It currently stands at £58.50 annually but will also rise in April to approximately £60.50.
Free TV licence
Those aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV licence. Applications can be submitted from the age of 74, with the TV Licensing agency automatically adjusting payments accordingly.
Students
Students living away from home during term time may remain covered under their parents’ TV licence, provided they only watch television on devices not connected to the mains electricity supply at their term-time address. This includes using solely laptops, mobile phones or tablets.
In such circumstances, they must notify the TV Licensing Agency that a licence isn’t required by declaring No Licence Needed, which can be completed online.
Cost
The TV licence fee increase amounts to an additional 46p monthly, rising from £174.50 to £180 in April. Experts have highlighted that the BBC TV licence costs more than popular streaming platforms.
The standard Netflix subscription is priced at £12.99 monthly, or approximately £155.88 annually, whilst a Premium Disney+ subscription for 12 months costs £149.90.
A TV licence is required to watch live television, including viewing international channels, paid services such as Sky or streaming platforms like YouTube. A TV licence is also necessary to access all content on BBC iPlayer.
