The cost of a TV Licence in the UK is set to rise by £5.50 this April, increasing from £174.50 to £180 annually. While this fee applies to many households, certain groups qualify for free or reduced-rate licences, easing the financial burden amidst rising costs.
A TV Licence is legally required to watch or record live television broadcasts or to access any BBC content, whether live or on catch-up, via BBC iPlayer. However, if you only watch programmes on demand through streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, ITVX, All 4, My5, or YouTube, and do not use BBC iPlayer, you do not need a TV Licence.
It’s important to note that watching live broadcasts on any platform generally requires a licence. Failure to have one when required can result in a fine of up to £1,000. If you believe you do not need a licence, you can submit a declaration through the official TV Licensing website.
According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the government acknowledges the financial pressures many face and remains committed to keeping the licence fee fair, sustainable, and affordable. Payment plans are available to spread the cost into manageable instalments. Furthermore, free licences are still available for those over 75 receiving Pension Credit, and discounted fees apply for residents of care homes and individuals who are blind or severely sight-impaired.
Here are the main groups eligible for free or discounted TV Licences:
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Over-75s on Pension Credit: Individuals aged over 75 claiming Pension Credit qualify for a free TV Licence.
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Students Living Away from Home: Students living independently may be covered by a parent’s TV Licence if they only watch on portable devices not plugged into mains electricity, like tablets, laptops, or phones.
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Blind or Severely Sight-Impaired Individuals: Households with a severely sight-impaired or blind person are eligible for a 50% discount on the licence fee.
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Residents in Care Homes or Sheltered Accommodation: Those living in qualifying residential care or sheltered housing can apply for a concessionary licence priced at £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
The licence fee covers watching, recording, and downloading programmes on any device that requires a licence.
For more detailed information on eligibility and payment options, visit the official GOV.UK TV Licensing page.