The TV licence fee is set to increase from £169.50 to £174.50 starting this April, but not everyone will be required to pay it. If you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer for any content, even on-demand, then a TV licence is necessary.
This rule applies regardless of the device used, be it a TV, laptop, computer, tablet or phone. However, if you don’t watch any live TV, you likely won’t need to fork out for a TV licence.
The same goes if you own a TV but don’t use it – you wouldn’t automatically need a TV licence unless you’re tuning into the BBC or live TV. On the other hand, if you’re catching up on shows using streaming services that aren’t BBC iPlayer – such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 – then you’re off the hook for a TV licence.
But if you’re watching live shows through these platforms, then a TV licence would be necessary. Those caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence could face fines of up to £1,000.
In Guernsey, the maximum fine is £2,000, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay. If you don’t need a TV licence, you can fill in a declaration on the TV Licensing website, reports the Mirror.
A warning on the TV Licensing website states: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence. If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”
Are you eligible for a free or discounted TV licence?
Over-75s claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. Students living away from home may also be covered by their parents’ TV licence, but only if they’re watching on a device not plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.
People who are blind or severely sight-impaired can receive a 50% discount on their TV licence. If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence costing £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.