BBC TV Licence Hits Nearly £170 as Cost Rises Again
The BBC TV licence fee has jumped to almost £170 a year. From April 1, households now cough up £169.50, a rise of £10.50 from last year’s £159. The increase, though painful, was smaller than expected – originally pegged at £15 to match inflation.
Who Needs a TV Licence? Not Everyone!
Good news for some: you don’t need a TV licence for everything. Here’s the lowdown:
- No licence required for streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.
- Watch on-demand shows on All 4 or Amazon Prime Video without a licence.
- Browsing videos on websites or watching DVDs? No licence needed.
But hold fire. You do need a TV licence if you:
- Watch or record live TV, no matter the channel or platform.
- Use the BBC iPlayer – licence required!
Free TV Licence? Here’s Who Qualifies
If you’re 75 or older and receive Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. The BBC’s TV Licensing service confirms free licences are available to those in this age and income bracket.
To apply, call 0300 790 6117*. Processing can take several weeks, and you’ll be notified if there are any issues with your claim.
What’s Pension Credit? How It Can Help You
Pension Credit is a benefit for over-65s on low incomes, topping up weekly earnings to at least £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples. It also offers extra help with housing, council tax, and heating bills.
Yet shockingly, around 1.4 million pensioners who qualify aren’t claiming their Pension Credit – and missing out on free or discounted TV licences along with other vital support.
This steep TV licence hike is a stark reminder: check if you’re eligible for a free licence or extra benefits and don’t leave money on the table.
