When are TV license costs rising by – and do you actually have to pay?
With the rising cost of living crisis showing no signs of slowing down as inflation jumps to 10.4%, many households will be looking at any way they can cut costs.
Everything from water bills to your weekly shop is set to increase in price, and entertainment hasn’t escaped the escalating costs.
Much like everything else, the price of a TV licence is also set to rise next year.
When looking to scale back on spending, many may be questioning whether a TV license is an essential thing to pay for.
But how much is the price rising by, and can you get a discount?
Here’s what you need to know.
How much is the price of a TV licence rising?
The current price of a TV licence is £159 per year, which can be paid all in one go or spread across the year via Direct Debit.
However, the price of a TV licence is set to go up by £13 in April 2024 taking the roral cost to £172.
It is the largest increase in price in 20 years in line with rising inflation costs.
The licence fee had been frozen for two years since 2020 to help those struggling with the cost of living.
Do you have to pay for a TV licence?
If you want to watch live TV – whether that be on a television set or through a portable device such as your mobile phone – you need to pay a TV licence.
According to TV licencing, you need a TV licence if you:
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- Watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
- Watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
- Download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer
If you only watch on-demand or catch-up programmes through streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, or Amazing Prime, then you don’t need a TV licence.
If don’t have a TV licence and you’re found to have streamed something live or downloaded anything from iPlayer, this could lead to a £1,000 fine, with the maximum up to £2,000 in Guernsey.
Can I get a discount on my TV license?
There are concessions that allow some people to get a reduced or free TV licence.
You can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you receive Pension Credit or live with a partner who does.
You can get a TV licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation.
For this offer, you must also be retired and over 60, or disabled.
Those that are registered blind, or live with someone registered blind, can get 50 percent off their TV licence.
For any of these discounts, you can register online or over the phone.
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