The TV Licence fee is currently £174.50 but set to rise to £180 in April
There are some lesser-known situations that could exempt you from the need to pay for a TV Licence. This fee is currently £174.50 but set to rise to £180 in April.
The licence fee has been a regular expense for many Brits since its inception in 1946. Back then, the BBC was the only broadcaster in the country and the licence cost £2 – roughly equivalent to around £105 today.
Despite significant shifts in our television consumption habits, including the emergence of numerous channels, streaming services and on-demand platforms, this annual charge remains. As of April 1, 2025, the price was set at £174.50, up from £169.50. The fee applies to any households that:
- Watch or record programmes as they’re being broadcast live on any TV channel
- Watch live programmes on any online TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video
A licence is also required if you download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. However, there are certain circumstances where a licence isn’t necessary.
According to GOV.UK, you don’t need a licence if you’re a student who lives at another address outside of term time, which already has a licence. You can use its TV Licence while you’re at university on any device that’s:
- Battery powered
- Not plugged in
- Not connected to an aerial
Additionally, you do not need a TV Licence if you only watch specific types of content and not those mentioned above. These include streaming platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus, on-demand TV via services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video, videos on websites like YouTube and DVDs.
If you reside in a shared home that already has a licence, there’s no need for you to purchase your own TV Licence. A single TV Licence can cover the entire household if you either watch TV in a communal area or have a joint tenancy agreement.
Other exemptions and discounts
There are also exemptions and discounts available for certain individuals. According to the Government website, you can get a free TV Licence if you’re 75 or older and either receive Pension Credit or live with a partner who does.
If you’re currently receiving Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV Licence when you turn 74. However, you’ll need to continue paying for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. From then onwards, your free licence will cover you.
Living in residential care or sheltered accommodation entitles you to a discount. If you live in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you can get a TV Licence for £7.50.
To qualify, you must also be either retired and over 60 or disabled. Your housing manager can confirm your eligibility and apply on your behalf.
If you’re officially registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or if you reside with someone who is, you are eligible for a 50 per cent discount. The licence must be under the name of the visually impaired individual – if it isn’t, a new application can be submitted to transfer it into their name.
