The annual TV Licence fee in the UK is set to increase from £174.50 to £180 this April. While many households routinely pay this charge, there are several lesser-known exemptions that might allow you to avoid the fee altogether.
Since its inception in 1946, the TV Licence has been a staple in British homes. Back then, it cost just £2—a figure equivalent to about £105 today—and covered access to the BBC, the only broadcaster at the time. Despite the explosion of channels, streaming services, and on-demand platforms, the licence fee remains mandatory for most viewers.
You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV broadcasts on any channel or if you stream or download content from BBC iPlayer. However, certain situations exempt you from this requirement.
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For example, students living away from their family home during term time do not need a separate licence if the family home’s licence already covers their viewing. This exemption applies regardless of the device used for watching TV.
Additionally, if you exclusively watch on-demand streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or catch-up services like All 4, without accessing live TV or BBC iPlayer, you do not need a licence. Similarly, watching videos online via platforms like YouTube or playing DVDs also does not require a licence.
If you share a house or flat where a licence is already held, you don’t need to buy your own. One licence covers all members of a household living under the same tenancy, provided TV viewing takes place in shared spaces.
There are also concessions available to certain groups. Individuals aged 75 or older can get a free TV Licence if they or their partner are receiving Pension Credit. Those eligible can apply after their 74th birthday, but must keep paying until the month before they turn 75.
Residents of approved care homes, sheltered housing, or supported living arrangements may qualify for a reduced licence fee of £7.50, provided they are either over 60 or have a disability. Eligibility is verified and applications handled by accommodation managers.
People registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or those living with someone who is, qualify for a 50% discount. The licence must be registered in the name of the visually impaired person, and applications can be updated to reflect this if necessary.
In summary, as the TV Licence price rises this April, it’s worth reviewing your situation to see if any exemptions or discounts apply—potentially saving you money.