TV Licensing has revealed that just more than 23 million people are currently paying for a TV licence in their homes, but there are some who don’t need to pay
The latest figures from TV Licensing reveal that just over 23 million people are paying for a TV licence in their homes. Across the UK, it’s a legal requirement to have a TV licence for your property if you watch or record live TV or use certain streaming services like BBC iPlayer.
TV Licensing guidance emphasises that ‘it is an offence to watch or record’ TV programmes live, or download or watch BBC programmes on demand, including catch-up TV and BBC iPlayer. At present, a standard TV licence will set you back £174.50 annually.
However, this cost can be spread with a monthly Direct Debit of £14.54 or a Quarterly Direct Debit of £44.89. While there are stringent rules about who must pay for a TV licence, not everyone will fit this bill and could potentially avoid paying for a TV licence.
All those who don’t need to pay a TV licence
While you need a TV licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer, GOV.UK guidance highlights that you don’t need a TV Licence to watch:
- Videos or DVDs
- On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
- Streaming services like Disney+ or Netflix
- Videos on websites such as YouTube
People eligible for a discount or a free TV licence
Some people could get a TV licence at a discounted rate of up to 100%. This could include:
- People aged over 75 receiving Pension Credit
- People aged over 75 living with someone who gets Pension Credit
- People in residential care or sheltered accommodation
- Those registered blind
If you’re currently on Pension Credit but haven’t yet reached 75, you can apply for a free TV licence when you turn 74. However, you’ll need to continue paying the licence fee until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.
After that, you’ll be entitled to a free TV licence. For those residing in care homes or sheltered housing, a discounted TV licence rate of £7.50 is available if you live in a qualifying property.
To be eligible for this discount, you must either be retired and over 60 or disabled. Additionally, people registered as blind, or those living with a blind person, can receive a 50% discount.
Guidance on who is and isn’t required to pay for a TV licence can be found here.
