The cost of a TV licence is set to rise yet again in just a few months – certain people could qualify for a refund on their annual fee and others could cancel
The government has announced the TV licence fee is set to rise again, and it will apply to new people too.
From April 1, 2026, the cost will increase from £174.50 to £180 per year, which means a £14.54 monthly bill will soon go up to £15. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced this week that the charge would go up in line with inflation.
This annual payment is generally mandatory for any households or businesses that watch live TV or access BBC iPlayer. Some people can cancel their Licence fees and save on money, if they do it before the new charges come in on April 1.
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Some people could be entitled to a free or discounted TV licence. Those who are aged over 75 or receiving Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV licence, and there are reduced fees available for care home residents and blind individuals.
Anyone intending to do the following must have a TV licence:
- Watch or record TV on any channel on any TV service – including Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview.
- Watch live on streaming services – including ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon prime.
- Watch BBC iPlayer.
Some people in certain circumstances could be able to cancel their TV licence for a full refund, according to Manchester Evening News. This includes:
- Moving to an address that already has a TV licence – If someone at your new address already has a licence that will cover you, you can cancel your licence up to two weeks before you move.
- You no longer watch live TV or iPlayer.
- TV licences bought in error.
- A replacement TV licence has been brought.
- Blind concessions refunds.
- Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application.
- Refunds due to the death of the licence holder.
Some watchers could also be entitled to a discount. This includes people who are blind or sight impaired, those living in qualifying residential care and people who own a business which provides overnight accommodation.
The fee was originally introduced in June 1946 when television broadcasts returned after the Second World War, though the TV landscape has transformed considerably since. Hundreds of thousands of people could be missing out on a free TV Licence.
According to the DWP website, Pension Credit entitles those aged 75 and above to receive a free TV Licence. It’s estimated that approximately 800,000 people across the UK are entitled to Pension Credit but haven’t applied for it.
The benefit, worth roughly £80 a week per claimant, also unlocks access to various perks and cost-cutting schemes. Some of these benefits include Housing Benefit if you’re a tenant, Council Tax reduction or help with NHS dental treatments.
