BBC TV licence - do you really need one and how you can get it for a discount or free

The TV licence fee, a subject of much debate which has seen many people seeking ways to avoid payment or get a discount. The BBC's annual report, released on Tuesday (July 23), disclosed that approximately 500,000 households scrapped their licences last year - some due to the fee increase.

The report also revealed the salaries of BBC stars including Huw Edwards, who departed from the BBC in April 2024 following "medical advice", who received a £40,000 salary increase. His earnings for 2022/2023 were listed as being between £435,000 and £439,999.

In addition, Gary Lineker maintained his position as the highest-paid star at the corporation with a staggering £1.35 million, while Radio 2's morning voice Zoe Ball earned £950,000. The much-admired Louis Theroux took home a salary within the range of £200,000 to £204,999.

However, the escalating cost of the TV licence may have influenced many to cancel. From April 1 this year, the price for a black and white TV licence rose by £3.50, jumping from £53.50 to £57, while the standard colour licence saw an increase of £10.50, reaching £169.50 annually.

For those reluctant to pay the increased fees or questioning the necessity of a licence, there might be options to avoid these expenses. Continue reading below to discover who is exempt from paying and when a licence is required.

Do I need a TV licence?

Under current UK law, a TV licence is needed to watch or record live television on any channel, including Channel 4, ITV, and Channel 5. This applies to live TV viewed on any device, such as a television, computer, laptop, tablet or your phone. A TV licence is also mandatory for using BBC iPlayer - even for catch-up viewing.

A TV licence is also required if you watch live broadcasts on streaming services including Amazon Prime, ITVX, All 4, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, and My5. However, if you only stream on-demand content from these services, a TV licence is not required. This exemption also applies to Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, Now, and YouTube.

It's crucial to remember that the TV licence covers live TV and the BBC. Therefore, if you only watch on-demand content on ITVX or All 4, a licence is not needed. But, if you watch live events, such as a football match on Sky or Amazon Prime, a TV licence is essential.

Who doesn't need a TV licence?

People over the age of 75 who receive Pension Credit are exempt from purchasing a TV licence. Students living away from their permanent home may also be exempt if they have a TV licence at their main residence and their parents possess one, provided they watch on a device that is not connected to the mains, like a phone, tablet, or laptop.

Households with a blind or severely sight-impaired resident are eligible for a 50 percent discount on their TV licence fee. Residents of care homes or sheltered housing may qualify for a concessionary TV licence, which costs £7.50 for each room, flat, or bungalow.

How do I pay for a TV licence?

You can do that by clicking here. If you want to view it in Welsh, click here.

What do I do if my property is empty or I don't need a TV licence?

If you’re not watching, streaming or recording TV in any of the above ways - or your property is empty - you need to let them know. You can visit their website here and answer series of yes or no questions.

It warns: "If you tell us you don’t need a licence we may visit you to check. If we then find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 (£2,000 in Guernsey) plus any legal costs and compensation you may be ordered to pay."