The annual TV Licence fee will rise from £174.50 to £180 starting this April, marking another increase for UK households. While most viewers must pay this fee to watch or record live television or access BBC iPlayer, some individuals qualify for free or discounted licences.
A TV Licence is mandatory for watching or recording live TV broadcasts or for viewing any content on BBC iPlayer, whether live or on catch-up. However, if you only watch shows via streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5 without live broadcast, you do not need a licence.
If you watch live programs on these platforms, a licence is required. Failure to have one while watching TV content subject to licensing rules may lead to a fine of up to £1,000. You can declare on the TV Licensing website if a licence is unnecessary for your viewing habits.
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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport acknowledges the financial strain many households face and has committed to maintaining the licence fee for the remainder of the current charter period. To ease payments, they continue to offer simple payment plans that break the fee into manageable instalments.
Certain groups are entitled to free or discounted TV Licences:
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Over-75s on Pension Credit: Individuals over 75 who receive Pension Credit qualify for a free licence.
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Students Living Away from Home: Students may be covered under their parents' licence if they watch TV on devices not connected to mains electricity, such as phones, tablets, or laptops.
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Blind or Severely Sight-Impaired Individuals: Households with a blind or severely sight-impaired member can get a 50% discount on their TV Licence fee.
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Care Home or Sheltered Accommodation Residents: A concessionary licence costing £7.50 per room is available for people living in care homes or sheltered housing.
The TV Licence fee covers watching, recording, and downloading TV programmes on any device. For more details, visit the official TV Licensing website.