Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has said people should check if they need to pay (Image: Getty)
The imminent hike in the TV licence fee come April is prompting many Britons to ponder ditching their payments and steering clear of the broadcasts. Currently, viewers are shelling out £169.50 a year for a colour TV licence, but that cost will increase by £5 as of April 1.
However, Money Saving Expert’s points out there might be viewers who are forking out for the licence without need, and he’s encouraging them to consider binning it to pocket some savings. By law, a TV licence is required if you’re watching or recording live television on any channel, particularly offerings, or using the iPlayer.
But, if you’re just into streaming services like , Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or catch-up channels including All4, Channel 4, and ITVX, no TV licence is necessary. For those age 75 and on Pension Credit, registered blind, or living in residential care, discounts or a free licence are available.
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Without a licence, those tuning into channels unlawfully could be hauled up with prosecution and fined up to £1,000—or even £2,000 in Guernsey. Sharing his wisdom, Martin suggests checking eligibility for a licence refund:
- If you’re moving in with someone who already has a TV licence or moving somewhere where you won’t watch ‘live TV’ or use iPlayer
- If you’re moving abroad
- If you’re 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit (or living with someone who is)
- If you’re moving into a care home
- If the TV licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate
- If you have two licences for the same address
- If you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or use iPlayer before your licence expires
- If you’ve changed the type of licence to a cheaper one, such as a black-and-white licence, you may be due a partial refund
You can lodge a claim for reimbursement up to two years following your licence’s expiration.
One user chimed in on the debate, expressing contentment with just the radio side of things: “I’m happy paying my licence just for the radio. Don’t watch the telly much but the radio with no ads is 100% worth it for me.”
Another viewer chimed in: “Pretty sure the only thing I use it for is FA cup matches lol. Might just cancel it and watch at the pub instead. Pints are expensive these days but a d*mn sign cheaper than p***** money up the wall on unoriginal terrestrial TV cr*p.”
A third viewer said: “Just as a thought experiment, if everyone stopped paying the license fee and the are forced to adopt a commercial model, or worse still, end up being sold off to a private media conglomerate, what would happen to public broadcasting in this country?”.