A drop in TV licences could lead to more people facing fines of up to £1,000 for watching live TV without one.
More than half a million fewer households held a TV licence in the past year.
The axing of popular shows such as Drag Race UK may be prompting viewers to reconsider whether the licence fee is still worth paying.
A legal expert from The University of Law has issued a reminder to the public about when a TV licence is required, what it costs, and the potential consequences of not having one.
Changes in TV Licence Fees Over the Years
Do I need a TV Licence?
A TV licence is required to watch or record live television on any device, including computers and tablets, or to stream content on BBC iPlayer.
There is no requirement for a licence to watch non-BBC catch-up services, DVDs, Blu-rays, or online videos on platforms like YouTube.
A single TV licence covers all residents at one address.
How much does a TV Licence cost?
The current fee is £180 per year, which can be paid in a lump sum or in monthly or quarterly instalments.
A black and white television licence costs £60.50.
Am I exempt from paying for a licence?
There are some exemptions and discounts available in special circumstances, however it’s worth bearing in mind that if you were eligible, you would most likely have been informed about it.
If you are aged 75 years old or over and you, or your partner living at the same address receives pension credit, then you can apply for a free TV licence. It’s also worth looking into this if you live in a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, as you may also qualify for a free licence or Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence costing £7.50.
Those who are blind or severely sight impaired may also be eligible for a 50% discount, providing you can provide “appropriate evidence”.
What happens if I don’t have a licence?
Considering the UK TV licence fee was found to be the fourth highest across Europe, it’s easy to understand why some may avoid paying it. However, it’s important to stress that if you are caught out watching TV without a licence you could be fined up to £1,000, plus legal costs and compensation incurred. Importantly, you could also end up with a criminal record.
If you know that you don’t need a licence based on the above, the best approach is to inform TV Licensing through official channels.
If anything changes and you find yourself needing a licence again, be sure to get back in touch to purchase one. Failing to do so will leave you at risk of being found guilty of evading the licensing fee and facing the fines.
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