Many people hold the false belief that they are exempt from paying a TV licence - however, this is untrue. The majority of homes in the UK make a monthly payment so they can watch TV without breaking the law. Anyone who wants to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer is obligated to pay for a licence.
While there has been discussion about eliminating the fee entirely by 2027, the annual or monthly payment is still made today. The cost, which is currently set at £159 per year, is typically reviewed on April 1 of each year. It is anticipated to remain at the present price until April 2024, although we won't know for sure until nearer the time.
The big question is, do you still need a licence if you solely use your television to view streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus? And if you use a subscription provider like Sky or Virgin, do you still need one? Well, that depends on what and when you're watching, according to a report in The Mirror.
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Now that doesn't make it much easier in terms of a blanket answer to the question, however, here's what you need to know to make sure you stay within the law. After all, nobody wants to face a fine of up to £1,000 for breaking regulations they were unaware of.
Why is there a TV licence and what does it pay for?
The money goes to fund the BBC, which is Britain’s state-owned broadcasting service. However, you still need a licence to watch other networks’ television shows, if you are watching them as they are broadcast live.
When do I need a licence?
A TV licence gives the holder legal permission to use television-receiving equipment, such as an aerial, to watch programmes as they are being shown on TV. So if you are watching a TV show, while it is going out live, you need a licence. That includes watching the shows through paid-for services like Sky, Virgin Media and Now TV, and viewing on a computer, or through an app on your games console, phone or Smart TV.
You also need one if you use BBC’s iPlayer to watch any content, as TV licences fund the BBC. If you are watching other apps, like ITV Player, you need a licence IF you are watching the shows as they go out live. You also need a licence if you are recording live TV to watch later.
What does it cover and what if I'm watching on a laptop?
It doesn't matter how you are receiving the service, you'll still need to pay. A single TV licence covers all of the following in a single property:
- TV sets
- Computers
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Mobile phones
- Any other device that can receive a TV signal
I already pay for Sky, Virgin or BT so do I still need to buy a licence?
Yes, if you watch TV through a digital box, such as Sky, Virgin or BT, you still need to pay for a licence.
What if I just watch Amazon Prime, Netflix or Now TV?
If you only watch on-demand or catch-up programmes through streaming services like Netflix, then you do not need a TV licence - that is unless you are watching BBC programmes on iPlayer.
You also need one if you’re watching any live TV through apps. Live TV means any programme you watch or record at the same time as it’s being shown on TV or live on an online TV service. So, if you start watching Sky Sports through Now TV, you need a licence.
You also need one if you use BBC’s iPlayer to watch any content, as TV licences fund the BBC. If you are watching other apps, like ITV Player, you need a licence IF you are watching the shows as they go out live. You also need a licence if you are recording live TV to watch later.
How much is it and long does a TV licence last?
A TV licence is currently changed at £159 a year, with the fee is usually reviewed on April 1 each year. It is an annual charge, so you won't have to buy another one for a year.
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