The cost of a TV licence rose earlier this year, but there is a possibility of receiving a reimbursement. Currently, the annual fee for a TV licence is £174.50, granting permission to watch live TV or content on catch-up services like BBC iPlayer.
If circumstances change and you no longer require a TV licence before it expires, you may be eligible for a refund. For instance, if you are relocating to a residence that already possesses a TV licence, you could qualify for a refund. Typically, you are covered if the existing TV licence holder is your spouse, partner, family member, or a joint tenant or mortgage holder.
Upon reaching 75 years of age and claiming Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free TV licence. In this case, you can request a refund for any remaining months following your 75th birthday. Moving to residential care or sheltered accommodation may also make you eligible for a refund under the concessionary TV licence scheme, which costs £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
Cancellation of the TV licence is possible if you are relocating overseas. Additionally, a refund can be obtained if you no longer watch live TV programs or BBC iPlayer content. Notably, a TV licence is unnecessary if you solely stream content on catch-up platforms excluding BBC iPlayer, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5.
However, a TV licence is required for accessing live broadcasts through these services. The refund amount depends on the remaining duration of your current TV licence, with a minimum requirement of one month left to apply for a refund. Applications for a refund can be made through a declaration on the TV Licensing website, with payment options available monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Failure to possess a valid TV licence while watching programs that necessitate one can result in fines up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, along with additional legal costs or compensation. A TV licence covers viewing content on traditional TVs, laptops, computers, tablets, or smartphones.