Thousands of households across the UK could be entitled to a refund on their BBC TV licence after the annual fee rose to £174.50 in April. The increase, which added £5 to the previous cost, was linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.
A TV licence is legally required to watch or record live television on any channel, or to stream content on BBC iPlayer. This rule applies across all devices, including TVs, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. However, you don’t need a licence if you only use streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, ITVX, Amazon Prime, All4, My5 or YouTube for on-demand catch-up. The only exception is if you watch live broadcasts through these apps, which does require a licence.
The rules have sparked debate in recent months. In June, one father, Lee Stuart, successfully defended himself in court after being taken to trial by TV Licensing despite cancelling his licence to watch only subscription-based streaming services. His case has prompted fresh discussion over who really needs to pay.
You could be entitled to a refund if:
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You no longer need a TV licence and have at least one full month left on it.
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You’ve stopped watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer.
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You move to an address where someone else already holds a valid licence.
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You accidentally hold two licences for the same property.
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The licence holder has passed away.
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You move in with someone aged 75 or over who is entitled to a free licence.
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You’re relocating into a care home or moving abroad.
In addition, certain groups qualify for free or discounted licences. These include:
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Over-75s receiving Pension Credit.
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Students living away from their family home.
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People who are blind or severely sight-impaired.
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Residents of care homes or sheltered accommodation.
Refunds can be requested through the official TV Licensing website. If you don’t require a licence at all, you must make a formal declaration to avoid penalties.
Anyone caught watching television without the required licence could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Payments can be made annually, quarterly or monthly, but if your circumstances change and you no longer need one, it’s worth checking if you qualify for money back.
With the TV licence now costing £174.50 a year, reclaiming unused months could save households a significant sum, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
