WHO CAN GET A FREE TV LICENCE? PAYMENT EXEMPTIONS AS FEE SET TO RISE

The BBC director-general has said he is open to a “more progressive” licence fee, which could see wealthier households pay more.

Speaking at a Royal Television Society (RTS) about the future of the BBC, Tim Davie said the broadcaster is planning to “proactively research” how to reform the annual charge after the current charter agreement ends in December 2027.

The licence fee has been frozen for two years at £159 – but in 2023 the Government announced it would use a lower rate of inflation to increase the household charge from April to £169.50 a year.

The freeze and rising inflation has driven the broadcaster to reassess its priorities as it seeks to make £500m worth of savings.

Who gets a free TV licence?

Anyone who is over 75 and receiving pension credit, or lives with a partner who does, is entitled to a free TV licence.

Pension credit, worth an average of £3,500 a year, helps people with their living costs if they are over state pension age and on a low income.

Replace licence fee with 'TV tax' whether you watch or not, says TV boss

It tops up a person’s income to a guaranteed minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and £306.85 for couples – or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.

You can get a reduced TV licence if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.

Known as an accommodation for residential care (ARC) licence, it costs £7.50. But to qualify, you must also be retired and over 60 or disabled.

People who are registered blind can apply for a 50 per cent reduction on their TV licence.

It will also cover anyone who lives with them. People who are partially sighted (sight impaired) are not eligible.

What do you need a TV licence for?

You need a TV licence if you:

Watch or record live TV on any channel or service
Use BBC iPlayer

You do not need a TV licence to watch:

Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus
On-demand TV through services like Channel 4 and Amazon Prime Video
Videos on websites like YouTube
Videos or DVDs

If you live in a shared house, you need your own TV licence if you have separate tenancy agreements and watch TV in your own room.

You do not need separate licences if you have a joint tenancy agreement or watch TV in a single shared area.

Failure to pay can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Changes on the horizon?

Speaking at the Royal Television Society, Mr Davie revealed that the BBC is preparing to launch its “biggest-ever consultation process” next year so the public can drive the debate on its future.

He said the broadcaster will be looking at the licence fee’s “scope, how it could be more progressive and making sure its enforcement is fair and proportionate”.

BBC radio stations ‘first to close’ if licence fee replaced with subscription

Answering questions on the future of the household charge, Mr Davie underlined that he feels it “needs reform” but regards it as “precious”.

The BBC boss suggested he is open to considering who else could receive reductions on the full payment.

He added: “That doesn’t necessarily imply means testing, there could be a number of ways you could make it progressive.

“I just think the idea we’re just sitting where we’re at is the wrong one.”

However, he confirmed he believes a licence fee should be still in place in some capacity as he feels it is important that everyone has a “stake” in it.

“We are curiously really accountable to the British public for that value. And I think that connection is really important and it keeps BBC on its toes in a way which I think is really helpful”, he added.

2024-03-27T15:30:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd