28 January 2024 , 07:00
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The TV licence fee will rise by £10.50 from this April - but there is a way you can put off paying more.
You currently pay £159 a year for a TV licence but this will increase to £169.50 on April 1, an increase of 6.6%. But if your current TV licence is due to expire just before the new rate kicks in, then you can beat the rise by renewing it early.
You can renew your TV licence from the first day of the month that it is due to expire in. For example, if you renew it in March, then you won't need to pay the higher price until 2025.
But some people may not need to buy a TV licence at all. You'll need to have a TV licence if you watch or record live TV programmes on any channel. This applies whether you watch on a TV, PC, laptop, tablet, or phone.
You also need a TV licence if you use BBC iPlayer - even if only watching shows on catch up. However, you do not need one if you're watching shows on catch-up using streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5.
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The rules are different if you’re watching live shows through these services, in which case you would need a TV licence. If you're caught watching live TV without a TV licence, then you'll be fined £1,000.
There are some groups of people who are exempt from paying for a TV licence - this includes people aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit. Students who are living away from home may also be covered if their parents have a TV licence, but only if they're watching TV on a device such as a phone, tablet or laptop computer.
You wouldn't be covered if you're watching on a television that is plugged into the mains. Other people may be eligible for a reduction, including those with a severe sight impairment, who can claim a 50% discount.
If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.