The annual TV Licence fee, a mandatory charge for watching live television and BBC iPlayer, currently stands at £174.50 for a standard colour licence. However, many viewers remain unaware of specific regulations that could effectively double this cost to £349 for certain households.
When a Second TV Licence is Required
While a single TV Licence typically covers an entire household, the rules change significantly if you own or use a second property. According to official TV Licensing guidance, you are legally required to purchase an additional TV Licence for a second home, flat, bungalow, or cottage if you intend to watch or record television there.
This obligation applies to watching live broadcasts on any TV service, including traditional channels, live events on streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, and any content on BBC iPlayer. The rule covers usage on all devices within that property, unless they operate exclusively on internal battery power without being plugged into the mains or connected to an aerial.
Special Rules for Caravans and Mobile Homes
Different regulations govern touring caravans, static caravans, boats, mobile homes, and moveable chalets. In these instances, your primary home's TV Licence usually provides coverage, but a critical condition applies.
You must complete a declaration form, available in both Welsh and English, if someone is simultaneously watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer at your main licensed address while you are using these devices in your caravan or mobile home. This process takes only minutes and avoids the need for purchasing a second licence.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
TV Licensing authorities emphasise that prosecution is possible for those found watching, recording, or downloading programmes illegally. The maximum penalty includes a £1,000 fine plus additional legal costs and potential compensation orders.
"You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally," states the official guidance. "The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay."
Recent Fee Increases and Coverage Details
The Government implemented a 2.9% increase in the licence fee for 2024, effective from April 1, 2025, aligning with annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation. This adjustment raised the colour licence to £174.50 annually, while the black-and-white licence now costs £58.50 per year.
This represents only the second fee rise since April 2021, with daily costs increasing by just over 1p. Future increases will be linked to CPI inflation for the next four years, concluding in 2027.
Your TV Licence payment covers four key areas:
- All television channels, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave, and international channels
- Pay TV services such as Sky, Virgin Media, and EE TV
- Live television on streaming services including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video
- All content available on BBC iPlayer
This coverage extends to watching, recording, and downloading programmes on any device, ensuring comprehensive access across multiple platforms.
