A staggering four out of 10 people are oblivious to what the TV licence actually covers, potentially meaning some may not require one. The cost of a full TV licence has now risen to £169.50, in line with inflation since April, adding a significant amount to yearly expenses.
This makes it crucial to verify its necessity, particularly as incomes continue to be stretched. The licence is compulsory for anyone who streams live TV or uses BBC iPlayer, with non-paymaent risking a hefty fine.
However, a survey conducted earlier this year by FCA-regulated credit broker Viva Money revealed that an astonishing 43% of UK adults don't fully comprehend what the TV licence entails. Those who mainly watch platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or catch-up services (excluding BBC iPlayer) might discover they don't need a licence at all.
This could enable them to cancel their payment and possibly claim a refund. All UK households will need a TV licence if they watch or record TV programmes as they're broadcast.
This rule applies to all programmes on any channel, from soaps and documentaries to films. Even if these programmes are broadcast live on a computer, laptop, tablet or phone, rather than a TV, a licence is required to watch them, reports the Express.
Additionally, households need a licence if they download or watch programmes broadcast on BBC iPlayer - whether live, catch up, or on demand.
The licence also covers online TV services such as ITV Hub, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV or Sky Go. However, unlike with BBC iPlayer, a licence is not needed if a person only ever watches catch-up programmes on these TV services.
If a household finds themselves only watching catch-up TV (not including BBC iPlayer), they won't need a TV licence - as long as they're not using the TV services to watch anything live.
Households also don't need a TV licence to watch certain streaming services, like Netflix, YouTube or Disney+. For those considering cancelling their TV licence, it's vital to be sure everyone in the same household follows the rules.
How to cancel a TV licence.
If a household is certain that they no longer need a TV licence, they can inform TV Licensing by completing the refund and cancellation request form. TV Licensing may then pay a visit to the address to confirm if the decision is correct. It says these inspections find one in five households do end up needing one.
If a licence is needed, the household will have to pay the full licence fee and may risk prosecution and a fine. Fines vary depending on location and can see people in UK mainland face a penalty charge of up to £1,000, while those in Guernsey and Jersey could face fines of up to £2,000 and £500 respectively.
How to request a TV licence refund.
Britons can request a TV licence refund if they won't need their licence again before it expires, and they have at least one complete month left on it.
According to the TV Licensing website, Britons can apply for a refund up to 14 days before they no longer need their TV licence. If the licence has already expired, they may still be eligible for a refund, provided less than two years have passed since the expiry date.#
The main circumstances in which refunds are typically considered include:
- TV receiving equipment is no longer in use
- The address is covered by another licence
- The TV Licence was bought in error
- A replacement TV Licence has been bought
- Blind concession refunds
- Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application
- The death of the licence holder.
To apply, individuals must complete a short form and may need to provide evidence showing they no longer require the licence. TV Licensing will review the application, determine eligibility, and calculate the refund amount, which is typically based on full unused months. Refunds are issued via cheque or direct deposit. To check their licence expiry date, Britons can sign into their online account.
Some people may also be able to apply for a discount on their TV licences, ranging between 50 per cent and even 100 per cent. Find out more about these, here.
If you’re 75 or over
You can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
- get Pension Credit
- live with your partner who gets Pension Credit
The licence covers everyone living at your address.
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.
If you’re registered blind
You can get a 50% discount if you’re registered blind or live with someone who is.
The licence must be in the blind person’s name - if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name. You’ll need to provide your existing TV licence number when you apply.
Apply for a licence if you’re registered blind on the TV Licensing website.
