Do I need a BBC TV licence - rules explained before price rise to £169.50

04 March 2024 , 11:41

562     0

Households may not need to pay their licence fees at all (Image: Getty Images)

The TV licence fee will rise from £159 to £169.50 from this April - but you may not actually need to pay for one at all.

It all depends on what programmes you watch, if you're consuming live or catch-up TV, or if you're watching BBC iPlayer. You don't have to pay for a TV licence if you simply have a TV, but don't watch it.

But you do need to have a TV licence if you watch or record live TV programmes, whether this be on a TV, desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone. BBC iPlayer also requires a TV licence - and this if for both live TV, watching shows on catch-up and downloading content.

However, if you're watching shows on catch-up using other streaming services - such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 - then you don't need a TV licence. If you’re tuning into live shows through these services, then you would need a TV licence.

If you're caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence, then you could be fined up to £1,000. A message on the TV Licensing website reads: "We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence. If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay."

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay. If you don't need a TV licence, you can fill in a declaration on the TV Licensing website.

Are you eligible for free or cheap TV licence?

Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit: People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.

Students living away from home: 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 that isn't plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.

People who are blind or severely sight-impaired: If someone in your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you'll get 50% off the cost of your TV licence

Residential care or sheltered accommodation: 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

Levi Winchester