Millions of households across the UK face a higher annual bill for watching live television, with the TV licence fee poised for another increase this spring. The cost could climb to more than £180, adding further pressure to household budgets.
How Much Will the TV Licence Cost?
The current price for a colour TV licence stands at £174.50 per year. The fee is typically adjusted every April in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation from the previous September. The government confirmed that the September 2025 inflation figure was 3.8%.
If the standard formula is applied, the new fee from April 2026 would be just over £181. However, the exact amount of the increase has not yet been officially announced by the Government.
Who Actually Needs a TV Licence?
Understanding the rules is crucial to avoid a potential £1,000 fine. You are legally required to have a valid TV licence if you:
- Watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, whether on a television set, computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.
- Use the BBC iPlayer service to stream any content, including catch-up programmes.
You do not need a licence if you only watch on-demand or catch-up content via streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, Disney+, YouTube, All 4, or My5. The critical exception is if you watch a programme live through one of these platforms, in which case a licence is mandatory.
Eligibility for Free and Discounted Licences
While the rising cost is a concern for many, thousands of people are entitled to significant concessions or even a free licence.
Free TV licence: Anyone aged 75 or over who is in receipt of Pension Credit can apply for a free TV licence. This is a vital support for pensioners on a low income.
50% discount: If someone living in your household is registered as blind or severely sight-impaired, you are eligible for a 50% reduction on the licence fee.
Concessionary licence: Residents in eligible residential care or sheltered accommodation can apply for a special concessionary TV licence. This costs £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow, provided both the individual and the accommodation qualify.
Students: Students living away from home may be covered by their parents' TV licence, but only if they are watching on a device powered solely by its own internal batteries, such as a laptop, phone, or tablet. They are not covered if watching on a TV or a desktop computer plugged into the mains.
With the anticipated price hike, checking your eligibility for support has never been more important. Ensure you are correctly licensed to avoid prosecution and a substantial fine, while also claiming any discount you are entitled to.
