'Little known' BBC TV Licence rule reduces bill from £174 to £0 in minutes

UK households can legally avoid paying for the BBC TV Licence thanks to a "little known" rule. The BBC has confirmed that the licence fee, currently worth £169.50 a year will rise by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025, in a brutal Cost of Living blow.

There are some scenarios where you can get a free licence, though, people are being reminded. Watching 'live TV' without a licence is against the law. TV Licensing has enforcement officers that carry out checks, according to consumer experts.

BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis' team at Money Saving Expert says fee dodgers can face prosecution plus a fine of up to £1,000 (up to £2,000 if you live in Guernsey) if they're found to be watching 'live TV' or BBC iPlayer without a licence.

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Money Saving Expert explains: "You cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion in itself, although you can be imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court." Helpfully, those who claim Pension Credit can escape a bill.

It may be possible to get a refund on your TV licence, if one of the following applies: If you're moving in with someone who already has a TV licence or moving somewhere where you won't watch 'live TV' or use BBC iPlayer, if you're moving abroad or if you're 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit (or living with someone who is).

Other examples are if you're moving into a care home or if the TV licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate or if you have two licences for the same address or if you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires.

You can apply online for a refund up to two years after the expiry date of your licence. You may have to print the refund form and supply evidence.