Do I need a TV licence? Half a million homes cancel fee, according to BBC report

Around 500,000 households cancelled their licence fee last year with the number of payers falling to 23.9 million.

The fee costs £169.50 and the number deciding they can do without shows the increased competition the BBC faces from YouTube and streaming platforms.

The Beeb’s annual report also set out the highest-paid earners in the corporation with Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker once more topping the table with £1.35m per year.

The BBC chairman Samir Shah said the corporation had lost 30 per cent of its income over the past 10 years.

He added that the Beeb was considering whether non-payment of licence fees should still be a criminal offence.

Other takeaways from the report include that older age groups are mostly propping up the 46 per cent of British adults watching news and current affairs shows in a given week.

Also, despite general growth in podcast listeners generally, the number of subscribers to BBC Sounds aged 16-34 flatlined at 590,000.

Tim Davie, the director general of the BBC, said: “We have continued to streamline the BBC to make it leaner and more efficient in the public service. At the same time, we are growing our commercial income in a tougher-than-ever market environment.

“And another record-breaking year for both BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds is testament to how determined we are to make sure our online offer is world class and unmatched in its quality, breadth and relevance to UK audiences.”

What is a TV licence?

In the UK, a TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television broadcasts or uses BBC iPlayer, regardless of the device (such as a TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone). It's essentially a permit that allows you to consume live television content and access BBC programming online.

Here's a breakdown of what a TV licence permits you to do and how it works:

• Watch live TV: With a TV licence, you can watch live television broadcasts as they're being aired, whether through traditional means like a TV aerial or satellite dish, or through online streaming services that provide live TV channels.

• Record live TV: If you have equipment such as a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or similar devices, you can record live TV broadcasts to watch later. However, it's important to note that you still need a TV licence to record these programmes.

• Access BBC iPlayer: The TV licence also permits you to access BBC iPlayer, the BBC's online streaming service. This includes watching live BBC channels, catching up on missed programmes, and accessing exclusive content on iPlayer.

How do you apply for a TV licence?

You can sign up online at the TV Licensing website here by typing in your postcode. You can then type in your address and either register or renew a licence that may have previously been set up at your property.

How much does a TV licence?

A TV licence costs £169.50 although you can spread the cost with a direct debit or pay by debit/credit card or bank transfer.

You may qualify for a reduction in the rate if you are a student, live in a care home or are registered blind.

Who is eligible for a TV licence discount?

You may not need to pay anything if you’re eligible for pension credit. You can find out more about how to claim this here.

About 880,000 people are thought to be missing out on this benefit and are being urged to act.

Those in residential care homes or sheltered accommodation can also apply for reduced fees, while people with severe sight impairment get a 50 per cent concession.

What happens if you don’t have a licence and watch TV?

TV Licensing officials can visit your house to check whether you need a licence — and Money Supermarket says such inspections often find one in five households do.

You'll need to pay the full fee if you need a licence. You could risk prosecution, plus a fine of up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, if you’re caught watching TV without one.

Also, while you cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion, you can be jailed for non-payment of a fine imposed by a court.

Here's what could happen if you're caught without a licence:

• Fines: If you're found to be watching TV without a licence, you could receive a fine. The fine amount can vary, but it can be significant and may increase if the case goes to court.

• Prosecution: Persistent non-payment or refusal to obtain a TV licence could lead to prosecution. This could result in a criminal conviction to jeopardise your employment, financial status, and future travel.

• Court appearances: If you're prosecuted for not having a TV licence, you may be required to appear in court to face charges. This can be a time-consuming and stressful process.

• Civil penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, you may also face civil penalties, such as court orders to pay outstanding licence fees or legal costs incurred by the licensing authority.

• Debt collection: If you fail to pay fines or other penalties imposed for not having a TV licence, debt collection agencies may become involved in recovering the outstanding amounts.

I don't watch live TV — can I cancel my licence?

You need a licence if you watch live television or use BBC iPlayer.

For example, you don't need a licence for on-demand content such as Netflix or Prime Video, but you do if you watch live sports or pay extra for one of its live add-ons.

Here are the steps you can take to cancel your licence:

• Confirm your eligibility: Ensure that you don't watch or record live TV and don't use BBC iPlayer for any purpose. This includes not just traditional TV sets but also devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.

• Notify TV Licensing: Contact TV Licensing here to inform them that you no longer require a TV licence. You can do this by phone, online, or by post. They may ask you some questions to verify your situation.

• Cancel your direct debit or payment plan: If you're paying for your TV licence via direct debit or another payment plan, cancel it to avoid further payments.

• Dispose of any TV equipment: If you're certain that you won't be watching live TV in the future, you may choose to dispose of any TV equipment, such as antennas or satellite dishes, to avoid confusion or temptation.

• Keep evidence of your decision: It's a good idea to record your cancellation request and any correspondence with TV Licensing in case of any questions or issues in the future.

• Stay updated: Even if you cancel your TV licence, it's important to stay informed about the regulations regarding TV licensing in case your circumstances change.