Starting April, the TV licence fee is set to increase to £180, up by £5.50 from the current £174.50. It is mandatory to have a TV licence for watching live TV, recording, or accessing content on BBC iPlayer.
However, if you solely watch catch-up shows on non-BBC platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5, a TV licence is not required. Nevertheless, tuning into live content on these platforms necessitates a TV licence, with potential fines of up to £1,000 for non-compliance.
Individuals exempt from paying for a TV licence include those over 75 receiving Pension Credit, students away from home using non-mains devices, households with blind or severely sight-impaired members eligible for a 50% discount, and residents in care or sheltered housing eligible for a £7.50 concession per room.
To declare exemption from a TV licence, visit the TV Licensing website. The Government aims to sustainably fund the BBC while supporting households with payment plans and offering free licences to eligible groups.