The BBC licence fee will increase in line with inflation each year until 2027, rising in April 2025 to £174.50, it has been confirmed. But if you’re on Pension Credit and over a certain age, then you’re due a £0 TV licence
The precise date for the TV licence fee increase next year and how you can snag one for free has been disclosed. It’s confirmed that the BBC licence fee will rise in accordance with inflation annually until 2027, with an increase to £174.50 set for April 2025.
However, if you’re a Pension Credit recipient and over a certain age, you’re entitled to a £0 TV licence. A licence is required if you wish to watch or record live TV, including recording live shows to watch later. Live TV encompasses all programmes across any channel, from soaps and series to documentaries and films. Moreover, these rules apply even if you’re not watching on a traditional TV set – for instance, if you’re viewing live broadcasts on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone. The current cost of a colour TV licence stands at £169.50 per annum, while a black and white TV licence is priced at £57.
Those aged 75 and above who are receiving Pension Credit qualify for a free TV Licence, funded by the BBC. If you’re over 75 but not receiving Pension Credit, you’ll need to pay for a TV licence, reports Birmingham Live. If you’re over 75, you can check your eligibility for a free TV Licence. The Government determines the criteria for Pension Credit.
To apply for a free licence, visit the TV licensing website or dial 0300 790 6117. This means that if you aren’t watching TV, you’re not obligated to pay for a licence, as it increases in line with inflation from the start of the new tax year in April. Pension Credit provides additional funds to assist with living expenses if you’re over State Pension age and have a low income. Pension Credit can also aid with housing expenses like ground rent or service charges.
It comes as Brits with streaming subscriptions to sites like Netflix and YouTube have been warned over a hefty fine. The way we consume media has rapidly evolved in recent years. Gone are the days where films were rented from Blockbuster, TV channels didn’t exceed the number four, and YouTube wasn’t even in our vocabulary.
Many Brits these days don’t watch live TV on a strict schedule, and access apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount + through their Amazon FireStick or Roku devices. But, with the TV Licence fee slated to increase, confusion remains about who needs to pay the annual cost – which will total a whopping £174.50 from April 2025.
