The proposed BBC TV Licence fee rule change to include those exclusively watching non-live content across streaming sites could double TV bill costs across the UK, an expert’s warned.
Fresh fears Brits will have to fork out more than £1,000 every year for their TV habits have emerged. It follows reports that the UK is considering extending the BBC TV Licence fee to cover those watching non-live content across streaming sites.
Swathes of Netflix fans have already threatened to cancel their subscription if such a rule comes into effect – arguing that paying the £169.50 annual fee (which raises to £174.50 from this April) when they don’t watch live TV or use the BBC iPlayer app would be ‘madness’. Anybody who watches Netflix and live TV should already be paying for the TV Licence Fee and so wouldn’t be impacted.
As we previously reported, Ministers are said to be looking at a tiered license fee to help lower-income homes who struggle to pay, but a government spokesperson has refused to comment on any of the ‘speculation’ when contacted by the Mirror. They added: “We will provide more details about charter review plans in due course.”
The TV Licence raises around £3.7 billion a year and accounted for 65 per cent of the BBC’s total income in 2022/23. However, with half a million households cancelling their TV Licence in 2023 – the broadcaster needs to secure its ‘long-term future’. Especially as the Royal Charter – an agreement between the BBC and the Government on how the broadcaster is funded – is set to expire in 2027.
“We want everyone to get value from the BBC, which is why we’re focused on delivering what audiences want from us – trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and the moments that bring us together,” a BBC spokesperson said in a statement sent to the Mirror. “The public cares about the BBC and this year, we will launch our biggest ever public engagement exercise so audiences can help drive and shape what they want from a universal and independent BBC in the future. We look forward to engaging with government on the next Charter and securing the long term future of the BBC.”
Andrew Gosselin of Coupon Mister warns the reported plan could ‘push’ TV-watching costs over £1,000 a year. The personal finance expert has calculated the average yearly costs for all recorded streaming services including Prime Video, Apply TV, Disney+, Netflix, NOW TV, Paramount+ a more to show how much Brits may be splashing out to keep on top of their favourite films and TV shows.
“The average yearly cost for all recorded streaming services with ads is currently £399, and £881 without ads,” Andrew said in a statement sent to the Mirror. “Adding the possibility of the licence fee, this would increase the yearly cost to £508.50 with ads, and to £1,050.50 if you pay for each service without ads.
“If you’re a family and your children enjoy watching TV, the best option would be to stick with one platform, Disney+. Currently, a yearly subscription without ads will set you back around £59.88, but with the possible TV licence, this could increase to £229.38 For people living solo and who want to save money, your best bet would be to purchase a standard Netflix subscription with ads. The platform has a wide range of shows across different genres – but factoring in the new TV licence, this would cost you around £229.38 each year.”
*£881 is the yearly cost for those subscribed to the non-ads version of Prime Video, Apple TV, DAZN, Disney+, Netflix, NOW TV, and Paramount+
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