Failing to pay for a TV licence when you need one could result in a fine of up to £1,000 but people who only use these services are exempt.
Brits who only watch television via four streaming platforms are exempt from paying for a BBC TV licence. This could save you an expense of £174.50 a year.
The payment has been a standard annual bill for many people in the UK since its introduction in 1946. Back then, the BBC was the sole broadcaster in the country, and the licence cost £2, which is equivalent to approximately £105 today.
Despite significant changes in how we consume television, including the introduction of numerous channels, streaming and on-demand platforms, this fee remains. As of April 1 this year the price was set at £174.50, having increased from £169.50.
The licence fee applies to any households that:
- Watch or record programmes as they’re being broadcast live on any TV channel
- Watch live programmes on any online TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video
It’s also needed if you download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. If you need a licence and don’t pay for one you could be fined as much as £1,000.
However, there are some lesser-known circumstances in which you don’t actually require a licence. This includes if you still use your TV to watch shows but only through Netflix, Disney Plus, Channel 4’s on-demand service (previously known as All 4), and Amazon Prime Video.
However, as mentioned above, you do need a licence to view live content on these platforms. You also do not need a licence if you watch content such as videos on websites like YouTube and videos or DVDs.
Other reasons you don’t need a licence
According to GOV.UK, you don’t need a licence if you’re a student who lives at another address outside of term time, which already has a licence. You can use that TV licence while you’re at university on any device that’s:
- Battery powered
- Not plugged in
- Not connected to an aerial.
You also do not need to buy your own TV licence if you live in a shared home, which already has a licence. You can have one TV licence for the whole household if you either:
- Watch TV in a single shared area
- Have a joint tenancy agreement
Other exemptions and discounts
Certain individuals are also exempt from paying for a TV licence or qualify for a discounted rate. The Government website states that you can obtain a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
- Receive Pension Credit
- Live with a partner who receives Pension Credit
If you’re currently receiving Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV licence when you reach the age of 74. However, you’ll need to continue paying for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.
If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, this entitles you to apply for a discount. If you live in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you can obtain a TV licence for £7.50.
To be eligible, you must also be either:
- Retired and over 60
- Or disabled
Your housing manager can verify your eligibility and apply on your behalf.
If you’re registered as blind, or severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is, you can receive a 50 per cent discount. The licence must be registered in the name of the blind person – if it’s not, a new application can be made to transfer it into their name.
For more information, visit gov.uk/find-licences/tv-licence.