The BBC has confirmed that the licence fee, currently worth £169.50 a year will rise by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025, in a brutal Cost of Living blow for millions of Brits
Brits could dodge the BBC TV Licence fee, which is set to jump by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025, thanks to a “little known” loophole. The BBC has confirmed the hike from the current £169.50, adding pressure to households amid the Cost of Living crisis.
However, there are certain circumstances where you can get a free licence, and people are being urged to take note. It’s illegal to watch ‘live TV’ without a licence, and TV Licensing’s enforcement officers are on the prowl, warn consumer experts.
Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert fame warns that those caught without a licence while watching ‘live TV’ or using BBC iPlayer could face prosecution and fines up to £1,000—or even £2,000 in Guernsey. Money Saving Expert clarifies: “You cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion in itself, although you can be imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court.”
On a brighter note, Pension Credit claimants may not have to pay at all.
You might also snag a refund on your TV licence if you’re moving in with someone who already has one, relocating abroad, or if you’re over 75 and receiving Pension Credit (or cohabiting with someone who does), reports Birmingham Live.
Other instances where you might be due a refund include moving into a care home, if the TV licence holder has passed away, if you have two licences for the same address, or if you have a licence but won’t watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires. You can apply online for a refund up to two years after your licence has expired.
However, you may need to print out the refund form and provide supporting evidence.
