The TV licence fee is due to rise for millions of households next week, but there may be ways to cut costs. From April 1, the price of a TV licence will increase from £169.50 to £174.50.

The cost of a black and white TV licence will also go up by £1.50, moving from £57 annually to £58.50. A TV licence is necessary if you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer, even for on-demand content.

This applies whether you’re watching on a TV, laptop, mobile phone or desktop computer. If you only use catch-up services to watch shows after they’ve aired on TV, excluding BBC iPlayer, then you probably won’t need a TV licence.

This includes platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5. However, if you’re using these services to watch live TV shows as they’re being broadcast, then a TV licence would be required, reports the Mirror.

If you’re caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence without owning one, you could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000. In Guernsey, the maximum fine is £2,000, plus any legal fees or compensation you might be ordered to pay.

If you don’t need a TV licence, you can fill out a declaration on the TV Licensing website.

Merely having a television set at home doesn’t mean you’re obliged to shell out for a TV licence—it all hinges on what content you’re consuming and through which service. The TV Licensing website has a handy tool that can help you figure out if you’re required to cough up for a licence in Blighty.

A stark warning on the site asserts: “We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence. If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has locked in an increase for the TV licence fee, as mapped out in her statement from last November. Further, she underscored the commitment to the current licence fee arrangement through to at least 2027 but didn’t shut the door on examining other funding avenues in the future.

The tally as of March 2023 shows a whopping 24.4 million active TV licences studding the UK landscape.

Ms Nandy has praised the BBC for its contribution to national broadcasting, stating: “The BBC provides much-needed programming for households across the country, including children’s education, world-class entertainment and trusted news for all people in all parts of the UK. I want to see it thrive for decades to come. Through the Charter Review, we will have an honest national conversation about the broadcaster’s long-term future, ensuring the BBC has a sustainable public funding model that supports its vital work but is also fair and responsive to those who pay for it.”

She further added, “In the short term, we are providing the BBC with funding certainty, while supporting thousands more households facing financial hardship to spread the cost of a TV licence.”

Are you eligible for free or discounted TV licence?

Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit

Those over 75 and receiving Pension Credit: Individuals aged over 75 who are in receipt of Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV licence.

Students residing away from home

Students living away from their family home may also be covered by their parents’ TV licence, provided they’re viewing television on a device not connected to the mains, such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.

Individuals who are blind or severely sight-impaired

If a member of your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you can avail of a 50% discount on your TV licence fee.

Residents of care homes or sheltered accommodation: Those residing in residential care or sheltered accommodation might be eligible to apply for a concessionary TV licence, which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.