Anyone living in the United Kingdom needs to understand how the television licence fee works. The question of how much TV license applies to you is not a simple one, as the price depends on several key factors. These include the type of device you are watching, whether you watch live television or use catch-up services, and the specific discounts or exemptions you might qualify for. This guide breaks down the current pricing structure and the rules surrounding payment.
Understanding the TV Licence Fee
The TV licence is a mandatory annual fee required for anyone watching or recording live television in the UK, regardless of whether they use a traditional aerial, satellite, or cable. It is also required for watching BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and similar on-demand services. The fee funds the BBC’s public broadcasting services. For the standard colour licence, the current cost is £169.50 per year. If you only watch on a black and white television, the fee is significantly lower at £53.50.
Price Variations for Different Circuits
Your location plays a role in the technical aspects of your licence, although the price remains the same nationwide. The fee covers the right to watch content in a "dwelling," which is defined as a self-contained home or other residential property. If you have a separate garage or outbuilding that houses a television used by a resident, it usually requires its own licence. This is because the definition of a dwelling often includes these separate structures if they are used as living spaces.
Senior Citizen Discounts
Households where at least one person is aged 75 or over are eligible for a substantial benefit. The licence fee for these homes is paid in full by the government, meaning the residents do not have to pay the £169.50 fee. To maintain this exemption, the qualifying senior must receive Pension Credit. It is important to note that this benefit applies to the entire household, not just the individual over 75, provided the senior is the only one with a television licence.
Rules for Couples and Shared Housing
If you live with a partner or share a house with friends, you generally need a separate licence for each property. A single licence does not cover multiple households, even if they are under the same roof. For example, if you own a house and your adult child returns to live with you, you would likely require two separate licences. However, if you are a couple living together, you only need one licence for the main property where you both reside.
Owning a Second Television
If your household has more than one television, you usually need more than one licence. This applies even if the second television is in a different room of the same house. However, there is an exception if the second television is used solely to watch pre-recorded content on a device like a Blu-ray player or a streaming stick that does not access live broadcasts or BBC iPlayer. In such cases, a single licence covering the location where the live viewing occurs is typically sufficient for the entire household.
How Much TV License for Different Devices?
The type of device you use impacts your licensing requirements. You need a licence to watch or record programmes as they are being shown on live TV. This includes televisions, computers, tablets, and smartphones. If you are streaming content on demand through services like Netflix or YouTube, a licence is not required unless that content is also available live on BBC iPlayer or another BBC channel. The fee is based on the right to watch live content, not the device itself.
