A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recently revealed that the TV licence fee will increase by £5.50 from £174.50 to £180 annually from April 1. The DCMS stated that the price hike is “in line with inflation” as stipulated by the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement, and added that the fee will rise again in accordance with inflation in April 2027.
However, a new online petition is urging the UK Government to “fund free TV licences for existing pensioners” and those reaching the official retirement age. Petition instigator Michael Thompson contends that “many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company” and highlights a “desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession”.
The ‘fund free TV licences for all pensioners’ e-petition has been uploaded on the UK Government’s Petitions Parliament website. If it garners 10,000 signatures of support, it would be eligible for a written response, likely from the DCMS, reports the Daily Record.
The petition reads: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.
“Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.
“We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”
Should the petition reach 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee would examine whether to schedule a Parliamentary debate on the matter. The full petition is available to view online. The DCMS stated the £5.50 rise in the fee, which serves as the BBC’s primary funding source, would provide the broadcaster with “stable financial footing to deliver for audiences and support the wider creative industries”.
A DCMS spokesperson said: “The Government recognises the financial pressures on households and is committed to ensuring the BBC’s funding model is sustainable, fair and affordable. The Government has committed to the licence fee for the remainder of this charter period.
“To support the public with the cost of the TV licence, we will also continue to support the simple payment plan to spread payments through smaller instalments. Free licences remain available for over-75s on pension credit, with reduced fees for care home residents and blind people.”
The yearly charge for a black and white TV licence will increase by £2 from £58.50 to £60.50 for 2026/27. The Government continues its Charter Review Green Paper public consultation exploring alternative funding options for the BBC’s future.
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
- A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
- It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon Prime and YouTube
You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
Ways to pay for a TV licence
A TV licence currently costs £174.50, but will increase to £180 on April 1. You can pay it all in one go, or:
- Pay by monthly Direct Debit – from £14.50 per month
- Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
- Pay by quarterly Direct Debit – it works out at around £45 per payment
- Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts, such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme – find out more here.
People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired are entitled to a half-price TV Licence (£87.25) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years – if they have been the registered TV licence holder.
Free TV Licence for over-75s
If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you’ll then be covered by your free licence. They will confirm this in writing.
If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but don’t currently have a TV licence, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.
