TV Licence Fee Set to Increase to £180 in 2026
The annual BBC television licence fee is confirmed to rise once again, reaching £180 from April 2026. This increase of £5.50 follows the government's inflation-based pricing model, as announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The licence fee funds BBC television and radio programming, alongside public service broadcasting such as the Welsh channel S4C.
Understanding When a TV Licence is Legally Required
Many households continue to pay the licence fee to access popular programmes like Strictly Come Dancing or Match of the Day. However, a growing number of viewers are discovering they may not need to pay at all, depending on their viewing habits. The shift towards streaming platforms has transformed how people consume content, moving away from scheduled broadcasts to on-demand viewing.
You are legally required to hold a valid TV licence if you engage in any of the following activities:
- Watching or recording live television programmes on any channel through services like Sky, Virgin Media, Freeview, or Freesat.
- Viewing live content on streaming platforms, including ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, or Sky Go.
- Using BBC iPlayer in any capacity, whether for live or on-demand content.
It is important to note that a TV licence covers an entire household, not individual residents. This means that people sharing a single address, such as students in a shared house, only need one licence between them. However, separate flats with individual entrances within a converted property each require their own licence.
Legal Ways to Watch Television Without a Licence
Contrary to common belief, the requirement for a TV licence extends beyond just BBC content. Regulations were updated several years ago to include live streaming on various platforms. Nevertheless, there are numerous scenarios where you can legally avoid the fee entirely.
You do not need a TV licence for:
- Watching pre-recorded DVDs or Blu-rays, which have seen a resurgence as viewers seek alternatives to subscription services.
- Streaming on-demand content from services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, provided you are not accessing live broadcasts. For example, you can legally watch series such as Stranger Things or Clarkson's Farm without a licence.
- Using catch-up services for ITV or Channel 4 programmes after they have been broadcast, as long as you avoid watching them live.
As TV Licensing clarifies: "You need to be covered by a TV licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service. You don’t need a TV licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer." This includes any programme broadcast in real-time, such as a live football match or an episode of Coronation Street as it airs.
How to Properly Cancel Your TV Licence
If you determine that you no longer require a TV licence, simply ceasing payment is insufficient. You must formally notify TV Licensing that you are exempt. This applies if you exclusively watch non-live content on platforms like Netflix or only use gaming consoles without television reception.
TV Licensing maintains a database of approximately 31 million addresses to track licensed and unlicensed properties. Visiting officers have access to this information and may conduct checks to verify your status. While the existence of detection vans is often debated, the organisation asserts they use targeted technology to identify unauthorised television use.
In summary, with the licence fee rising to £180, now is an opportune moment to assess your viewing habits. By understanding the regulations and declaring your exemption if applicable, you can potentially reduce your household expenses legally.
