You need a TV licence to watch live television on all channels on any service (Image: Getty)
TV licence numbers dropped by more than half a million in the last financial year, with the BBC losing over £1billion in real terms over the last 10 years. The licence fee costs £180 per year for a colour television. Ninety-four percent of adults use BBC services every month but fewer than 80% of households pay towards the fee.
The BBC earlier this month said TV licence sales performed “very strongly” during a World Cup summer campaign. It came after the broadcaster displayed a QR code during football matches for people to buy the licence.
Who needs a TV licence?
You need a TV licence to watch live television on all channels, on any service, including international channels. This includes live TV, sports or events on streaming services as well as everything on BBC iPlayer. It also includes recording and downloading. It applies to any device.
A TV licence is required if you:
- Watch or record TV on any channel or service
- Watch live content on streaming services, such as ITVX, All 4 and YouTube
- Use BBC iPlayer to watch anything live, on demand or on catch-up
The rules apply to a TV, computer, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or digital box.
You don’t need a TV licence if you never watch live on any channel, pay TV service, streaming service or use BBC iPlayer.
A licence is also not needed if you use catch-up services such as ITVX, My5 or Channel 4. This does not include BBC catch-up services.
You don’t need a TV Licence to watch streaming services such as Netflix and Disney Plus or on-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video.
Watching videos on websites such as YouTube, video players and DVDs do not require a licence either. You don’t need one to listen to the radio or BBC Sounds.
Viewers may be able to obtain a free or discounted TV Licence if they are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, or if they are blind or in residential care.
How do you cancel a TV licence?
If you want to cancel a TV licence, you have to ensure nobody in your household is watching content that requires one.
Be warned that fines for watching without a licence can be hefty.
You can cancel a licence by completing the cancellation and refund request form on the TV Licensing website.
To confirm your cancellation, inspectors may ask to visit. If it is found you should still have one, then you face being fined.
This can be up to £1,000 in the UK, £2,000 in Guernsey and £500 in Jersey. You would also have to pay the full TV licence fee.
When can you claim a refund?
You can apply for a refund if you will not need your licence before it expires and you have at least one complete month left.
If you are eligible for a blind concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any period of time left on your licence.
You can apply for a refund up to 14 days before the date you no longer need the licence.
TV Licensing aims to process and issue refunds within 21 days of receiving an application.
Refunds are paid by cheque or bank transfer. They are based only on whole, unused months.
To check your licence expiry date, log into your TV Licensing online account.
A refund can be issued for a number of reasons, including no longer using TV-receiving equipment and for mistaken purchases.
They can also be refunded if the licence holder has died or moved abroad or another licence covers the same address.