The cost of a TV licence was increased earlier this year, but there is a possibility of receiving a refund. The current price for a TV licence is £174.50 per year, granting legal access to watching live TV or content on catch-up or live streams, including BBC iPlayer.
If you no longer require a TV licence before it expires, you may be eligible for a refund. For instance, if you are relocating to a place that already has a TV licence, you may not need it anymore. Coverage may also apply if your spouse, partner, family member, or joint tenant or mortgage holder already holds a TV licence.
Upon reaching the age of 75 and claiming Pension Credit, you qualify for a free TV licence and can request a refund for the remaining months post your 75th birthday. Moving into residential care or sheltered accommodation may also entitle you to a refund under the concessionary TV licence scheme, priced at £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
Cancellation of the TV licence is possible when moving abroad or no longer watching live TV or BBC iPlayer. If you solely watch catch-up shows on non-BBC iPlayer streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5, a TV licence is not mandatory.
However, live show viewing through these services necessitates a TV licence. The refund amount depends on the remaining duration of the existing TV licence, with a minimum requirement of one month left for refund eligibility. Declarations regarding TV licence cancellation can be made on the TV Licensing website, with payment options available monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Failure to possess a valid TV licence while watching licensed programmes may result in fines of up to £1,000, or £2,000 in Guernsey, along with potential legal costs and compensation. A TV licence covers viewing on traditional TV sets, laptops, computers, tablets, and phones.
