The cost of a TV licence will increase to £180 starting this April, up from the current price of £174.50 per year. A TV licence is required to watch or record live TV or to access any content, live or catch-up, on BBC iPlayer.
If you only watch on-demand shows using services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5, you do not need a TV licence. However, if you stream live programs through these platforms, you must have a TV licence to comply with regulations and avoid potential fines.
Individuals exempt from paying for a TV licence include those over 75 years old receiving Pension Credit, residents in care homes, and visually impaired individuals who are eligible for reduced fees. Declarations regarding TV licence exemption can be submitted on the TV Licensing website.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the BBC’s funding model remains sustainable and fair. Free TV licences for over-75s on Pension Credit will continue, alongside support for spreading payment costs through simple installment plans.
Specific groups, such as over-75s on Pension Credit, students living away from home, visually impaired individuals, and those in residential care or sheltered accommodation, may qualify for free or discounted TV licences based on their circumstances.