The cost of a TV licence was raised earlier this year, but you might be eligible for a reimbursement. The current price is £174.50 per year for a TV licence, granting legal access to live TV and content on catch-up or the BBC iPlayer.
If you no longer require your TV licence before it expires, you could qualify for a refund. This situation may apply if you are relocating to an address that already has a TV licence. Typically, you are covered if the existing TV licence holder is your spouse, partner, family member, or if you share a tenancy or mortgage.
Individuals aged 75 or older who claim Pension Credit can obtain a free TV licence and request a refund for the remaining months after their 75th birthday. Moving to residential care or sheltered accommodation may also entitle you to a refund, as concessionary TV licences are available for £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
Cancellation of your TV licence is possible when moving abroad or no longer watching live TV or BBC iPlayer. If you solely watch catch-up shows on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5 (excluding BBC iPlayer), a TV licence is unnecessary.
However, a TV licence is required for live broadcasts through these services. The refund amount depends on the remaining duration of your current TV licence, with a minimum of one month required to apply for a refund. Refund declarations can be completed on the TV Licensing website, with payment options available monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Failure to have a TV licence while watching licensed programs can result in fines of up to £1,000, or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, in addition to legal fees or compensation. The TV licence covers viewing on television sets, laptops, computers, tablets, and phones.