Everything you need to know about TV licence change - and trick to pay less
Brits will soon be hit with a pricier TV licence, which is tough news when so many of us are having to make every penny count during the cost of living crisis.
On April 1 the price of a TV licence is going up for the first time in two years from £159 a year to £169.50, meaning it will be £10.50 more expensive going forward. The price of a black and white TV licence is increasing from £53.50 to £57.
Many people will simply have to suck up the rise but there are exemptions, including a trick to beat the hike and save some money. Below are all the different pricing rules explained and who is entitled to a free one.
Who needs a TV licence?
You 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.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
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 may be fined £1,000.
Who doesn’t need a TV licence?
People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit are not required to buy a licence. 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. However, you wouldn't be covered if you're watching on a television that is plugged into the mains.
As mentioned above, you don't need a licence if you're only watching programmes on catch-up using streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5. But you cannot watch ANY live shows through these services or you could be fined.
Who can get a discount?
People who may be eligible for a reduction, include 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.
What is the trick for beating the price rise?
If your current licence expires before the new rate is introduced on April 1, you may be able to renew early. You can buy a new licence from the first day of the month that it expires, so if yours runs out in February or March you can buy a new one from the 1st of that month at the old rate. This way you won’t pay the new price until 2025.
If you pay for your licence in instalments, they won't increase until your licence expires.
Was this article helpful to you? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
