The TV licence fee is set to increase from £174.50 to £180 on 1 April 2026, adding to the financial burden on households already facing rising bills. The Government has confirmed that the fee will continue to rise in line with inflation until the Royal Charter period expires in 2027.
For those who no longer watch live television or use BBC iPlayer, cancelling the licence could result in a refund of up to £174.50. To be eligible, you must have at least one complete month remaining on your licence and not need it again before it expires. Blind concession holders can apply for a refund at any time.
Refunds are typically processed within 21 days, and the money is paid by cheque or directly into your bank account. TV Licensing will calculate the exact amount owed. However, if you cancel and then watch or record live TV, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
You do not need a TV licence to watch streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or on-demand services such as All 4. Watching DVDs or YouTube videos also does not require a licence. But live TV on any channel or service, including BBC iPlayer, still requires one.
Some households may be eligible for a discounted or free licence, including over-75s on Pension Credit, people in care homes, and those with severe sight impairments. The licence applies per household or per joint tenancy; separate tenants in shared accommodation may need their own licence.
