Starting April 1, 2026, the TV Licence fee has increased by 3.15% in line with annual inflation. This means a colour TV licence now costs £180 per year, while a black-and-white licence is £60.50. Not paying your TV Licence could lead to enforcement visits and fines.
TV Licensing warns that watching, recording, or streaming without a valid licence puts you at risk of prosecution, with fines of up to £1,000 plus legal costs—or up to £2,000 in Guernsey.
However, there are exceptions. Certain groups may qualify for a free or discounted TV Licence. For example, individuals aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can get a free licence. People who are blind (severely sight-impaired) or living in residential care may also be eligible for discounts.
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One TV Licence covers everyone living at the same address. If you’re approaching 75 and receiving Pension Credit, you can apply for your free licence up to a month before your birthday; until then, you’ll need to pay.
Applications for free or discounted licences can be made online or via phone at 0300 790 6071 (Minicom: 0300 709 6050).
The Government sets the licence fee and announced this 3.15% increase in February 2026, aligning with Consumer Price Index inflation. This policy will continue annually until the BBC’s current Charter expires at the end of 2027.