TV Licence

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 08:25

For nearly as long as there has been a BBC there has been a licence fee. However, the number of people paying for a TV Licence has steadily declined.

With the increased use of paid-for streaming services, many who once tuned in for a scheduled broadcast no longer do so, choosing instead to watch when it suits them. This leads them to ask: Do I need a TV licence if I'm not watching the BBC?

You need a TV licence:

If you watch or record live TV on any channel via any TV service such as Sky, Virgin, Freeview, or Freesat. If, for example, you watch Coronation Street as it's being broadcast 'live', you need a TV Licence.
If you watch live content on streaming services like ITVX, More 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go or you use BBC iPlayer

You don't need a TV licence:

To watch DVDs, watch Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV as long as it's NOT live content.
To watch an ITV or Channel 4 show on catch-up.

If you live in a house with multiple residents, everyone doesn't need to have an individual TV Licence since they are issued per household.

Additionally, state pensioners aged 74 and over who get Pension Credit are eligible for a complimentary TV licence.

Should you decide that a TV licence isn't necessary for your household, informing the TV licensing authorities is mandatory.

However, if you say that you no longer need a TV Licence, you may still receive a visit from an officer to verify your claim.

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