What is a TV Licence for?
In the UK, you must have a valid TV licence to watch or record television programmes as they are being shown on TV. Even if you are using a computer or mobile to do this, you still need a TV licence.
How much does it cost?
The Government sets the level of the TV licence. The current fee is £142.50 for a colour licence and £48 for a black and white licence.
If you are 75 or over, you are entitled to a free TV licence in your main home. There are also concessions making TV licences cheaper for those registered blind, living in nursing or residential care or in sheltered accommodation.
What is the licence fee spent on?
The licence fee pays for all of the BBC’s programmes and services on TV, radio and online. It doesn’t pay for programmes on other channels that you may watch because these channels raise money through advertising. The BBC is a public service broadcaster, which means it relies on public money instead of money from advertising.
For more information on where your licence fee goes, visit the BBC website.
How do I buy a TV Licence?
TV Licensing provides the licences and you can pay for them and receive them in a number of ways. For example, you can pay by debit or credit card or by cheque and you can spread the cost using a monthly direct debit or cash payment plan or savings card. As well as sending paper licences through the post, in some circumstances TV Licensing will now email a licence to you.
What happens if I don’t buy one?
It is an offence not to buy a TV licence if you are watching or recording programmes. You should receive letters reminding you to buy a licence and if you ignore these, it’s likely you’ll get a visit from an enforcement officer and end up with a hefty fine from a magistrates court.
