The TV Licence fee increased in April 2026, and many people are unsure what it actually covers. Beyond popular BBC shows like Doctor Who, EastEnders, and Strictly Come Dancing, the annual £180 fee funds a wide range of BBC services and broadcasting-related costs. Understanding the rules is important, as watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a valid licence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, plus legal costs.
What does my TV Licence fee pay for?
TV Licensing confirms that money from the TV Licence helps fund BBC programmes and services across TV, radio, and online. This includes the BBC website, BBC Sounds, BBC apps, eight national TV channels plus regional services, radio stations, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC World Service.
TV Licensing adds: "The licence fee also ensures that all radio, TV and online services are free from commercial advertising and free at the point of use, on a wide range of platforms and devices."
What does my TV Licence cover at Christmas?
TV Licensing explains that the fee funds a range of films on TV and BBC iPlayer throughout Christmas, including new blockbusters, classics, festive comedies, and family movies. It also supports Christmas Day programming with festive films and seasonal favourites.
You also need a TV Licence to watch live football on TV or online over the Christmas period, including matches broadcast by Sky Sports and TNT Sports, as well as highlights on the BBC.
Can TV Licence inspectors come into my home?
If officials believe you’re watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a licence, you could get a visit. You don’t have to let them in. TV Licensing says its officers will show ID, explain why they’re there, behave lawfully, respect your privacy, and only enter if you give permission.
However, officers can enter without permission if a search warrant has been issued. During a visit, they will explain why they’re visiting, show their ID card, be polite and fair, not use threats, and stop the visit if you ask them to leave—unless a warrant has been issued. They may also complete a record of interview and ask for your signature.
Your rights during an interview
TV Licensing confirms you do not need to say anything. Officers may interview someone they suspect of an offence under the Communications Act 2003, but only after cautioning them. This is in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 in England and Wales.
The person being interviewed doesn’t have to let the officer into their property and has the right to remain silent. They can ask to speak to a lawyer and can refuse to sign the record of interview. They can also ask for changes if they disagree with anything.
What can I watch without a TV Licence?
Without a TV Licence, you can legally watch S4C programmes on demand, DVDs or Blu-rays, catch-up on services other than BBC iPlayer (like ITVX, All4, and My5), YouTube videos, and on-demand films from providers like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky, Apple TV+, Disney+, or Now.
With a TV Licence, you can also watch live sporting events, memorable live events like the King's speech or Glastonbury, live streams on services like ITVX or YouTube, everything on BBC iPlayer, and live TV on any channel included in a package you pay for, as well as all free channels.
