The TV licence is a mandatory fee for anyone who watches or records live television in the United Kingdom. The revenue generated from TV licences is used to fund the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which is the UK’s public service broadcaster. In this article, we will delve into the world of TV licences, exploring how much they cost, who is eligible for a free licence, and what the consequences are of not paying.
How Much Does a TV Licence Cost in the UK?
The cost of a TV licence in the UK is currently £159 per year for a colour TV licence. This fee is applicable to anyone who watches or records live television, regardless of the device used. This means that if you watch live TV on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, you will still need to pay for a TV licence.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you only use your device to watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or BBC iPlayer, you do not need a TV licence. This is because these services do not provide live TV, and therefore do not fall under the TV licence fee.
TV Licence Costs Over the Years
The cost of a TV licence has increased over the years, with the fee rising from £145.50 in 2017 to £157.50 in 2020. The current fee of £159 was introduced in April 2022.
| Year | TV Licence Fee |
| — | — |
| 2017 | £145.50 |
| 2020 | £157.50 |
| 2022 | £159 |
Who is Eligible for a Free TV Licence?
While the majority of households in the UK need to pay for a TV licence, there are some exceptions. If you are aged 75 or over, you may be eligible for a free TV licence. However, this is not an automatic entitlement, and you will need to apply for a free licence through the TV Licensing website.
To be eligible for a free TV licence, you will need to meet certain criteria. These include:
- Being aged 75 or over
- Receiving Pension Credit
- Living in a residential care home
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a free TV licence online or by phone. You will need to provide proof of your age and eligibility, such as a birth certificate or a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Changes to Free TV Licences for Over-75s
In 2019, the BBC announced that it would be taking over responsibility for funding free TV licences for over-75s. As a result, the eligibility criteria for free TV licences changed. From August 2020, only those over-75s who receive Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV licence.
This change has been the subject of much controversy, with many arguing that it is unfair to charge over-75s for a TV licence. However, the BBC has stated that it cannot afford to continue funding free TV licences for all over-75s, and that the new eligibility criteria are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the licence fee.
What Happens if I Don’t Pay My TV Licence?
If you don’t pay your TV licence, you risk being fined and even prosecuted. TV Licensing, the organisation responsible for collecting TV licence fees, uses a variety of methods to detect unlicensed households. These include:
- Door-to-door enquiries
- Online detection
- Data matching
If TV Licensing suspects that you are watching live TV without a licence, you may receive a visit from a TV Licensing enforcement officer. If you are found to be watching live TV without a licence, you could be fined up to £1,000.
TV Licence Evasion Statistics
According to TV Licensing, there were over 184,000 prosecutions for TV licence evasion in 2020. This represents a significant decrease from the 204,000 prosecutions in 2019.
| Year | Number of Prosecutions |
| — | — |
| 2019 | 204,000 |
| 2020 | 184,000 |
How to Pay for a TV Licence
If you need to pay for a TV licence, there are several ways to do so. These include:
- Online: You can pay for a TV licence online through the TV Licensing website.
- Phone: You can pay for a TV licence over the phone by calling the TV Licensing helpline.
- Post: You can pay for a TV licence by post by sending a cheque or postal order to TV Licensing.
- Direct Debit: You can set up a direct debit to pay for your TV licence in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments.
TV Licence Payment Plans
If you are struggling to pay for a TV licence, you may be eligible for a payment plan. TV Licensing offers a range of payment plans, including:
- Monthly payments: You can pay for your TV licence in monthly instalments of £13.25.
- Quarterly payments: You can pay for your TV licence in quarterly instalments of £39.75.
- Annual payments: You can pay for your TV licence in one annual payment of £159.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TV licence is an essential fee for anyone who watches or records live television in the UK. While the cost of a TV licence may seem steep, it is a necessary fee that helps to fund the BBC and its public service broadcasting. If you are eligible for a free TV licence, you can apply online or by phone. However, if you don’t pay your TV licence, you risk being fined and even prosecuted. By understanding the costs and exemptions associated with TV licences, you can ensure that you are compliant with the law and avoid any unnecessary penalties.
What is a TV Licence and why do I need one?
A TV Licence is a fee required by law for anyone who watches or records live television in the UK. The licence fee is used to fund the BBC and its services, including television, radio, and online content. The licence is required for any device that can receive live television, including TVs, computers, and mobile devices.
The licence fee is a necessary contribution to the UK’s public service broadcasting system, which provides a wide range of high-quality programming and services. Without the licence fee, the BBC would not be able to produce and broadcast the same level of content, and the UK’s broadcasting landscape would be significantly different.
How much does a TV Licence cost?
The cost of a TV Licence in the UK is currently £159 per year for a colour TV licence. There is a concessionary rate of £53.50 per year for people who are blind or severely sight impaired. The licence fee is frozen at this rate until 2024, after which it will increase in line with inflation.
It’s worth noting that the licence fee is a one-off payment that covers the entire household, regardless of the number of devices or people living there. This means that if you live with others, you only need to pay for one licence to cover everyone in the household.
Do I need a TV Licence if I only watch on-demand services?
If you only watch on-demand services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or catch-up TV through services like iPlayer, you do not need a TV Licence. However, if you watch live TV through these services, you will need a licence.
It’s also worth noting that if you use services like iPlayer to watch live TV, you will need a licence, even if you don’t watch traditional broadcast TV. This is because the BBC considers live streaming to be the same as traditional broadcasting, and therefore requires a licence.
Are there any exemptions from paying for a TV Licence?
Yes, there are some exemptions from paying for a TV Licence. People who are blind or severely sight impaired are eligible for a concessionary rate of £53.50 per year. Additionally, people who live in care homes or assisted living facilities may be eligible for a discounted rate or exemption.
It’s also worth noting that some people may be eligible for a refund or exemption if they are over 75 and receive certain benefits, such as Pension Credit. However, this exemption is subject to change, and it’s best to check with the TV Licensing authority for the most up-to-date information.
How do I pay for my TV Licence?
You can pay for your TV Licence online, by phone, or by post. The TV Licensing authority offers a range of payment options, including annual, quarterly, and monthly payments. You can also set up a direct debit to make regular payments.
It’s worth noting that you can also pay for your TV Licence at a Post Office branch or other retail outlets that offer the service. You will need to provide your licence number and payment details to complete the transaction.
What happens if I don’t pay for a TV Licence?
If you don’t pay for a TV Licence and you are caught watching live TV, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. TV Licensing officers have the power to visit your home and inspect your equipment to check if you are watching live TV without a licence.
It’s worth noting that TV Licensing officers will usually send you a reminder letter or visit your home before taking any further action. If you are found to be watching live TV without a licence, you will be given the opportunity to pay for a licence and avoid a fine.
Can I cancel my TV Licence if I no longer need it?
Yes, you can cancel your TV Licence if you no longer need it. You can do this online or by contacting the TV Licensing authority directly. You will need to provide your licence number and reason for cancellation.
It’s worth noting that if you cancel your TV Licence, you will not be eligible for a refund unless you have overpaid. However, you can request a refund if you have paid for a licence and then moved to a care home or assisted living facility, or if you have become blind or severely sight impaired.