A proposal is advancing that could significantly alter TV licence rules for all UK households. Currently, a colour TV licence costs £180 per year, though certain groups—including some older people and those on Pension Credit aged 75 or older—can obtain a free licence. The licence is required to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer.
Campaign for Referendum on Abolishing TV Licence
Campaigners are intensifying calls to scrap the licence fee entirely. A new petition to Parliament demands a simple yes/no referendum on whether the TV licence should be abolished. The petition states: "Hold a simple yes or no referendum on whether the TV licence should be abolished. We keep being told by many politicians that the BBC is a national institution and should be protected by the continuation of the TV licence. This petition calls on the Government to give the people a voice and to hold a yes/no referendum to see how the population truly feels."
BBC's Reliance on Licence Fee Revenue
The BBC derives the majority of its funding from the TV licence. In 2024/2025, fee payers contributed nearly two-thirds of the broadcaster's revenue, providing £3.84 billion of the BBC's total £5.90 billion income. The BBC website explains that licence fee funding allows it to offer "an unparalleled range of programmes and services across TV, radio and online." It also funds the BBC World Service, broadcasting in 42 languages including English globally, the Welsh-language channel S4C, and Local Democracy Reporters. The licence fee ensures BBC UK services remain free of advertisements and independent of shareholder and political interest.
Petition for Free TV Licences for All Pensioners
Another petition gaining traction calls for free TV licences for all pensioners. Under current rules, only those aged 75 or older who claim Pension Credit qualify for a free licence. Some other older people or those with certain medical conditions may also be eligible. The petition, which has reached 60,000 signatures, urges: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence."
